Your dentist advised it would be wise to extract one or more wisdom teeth to correct a current problem or prevent a future problem. Don’t panic. Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common procedures performed at the Summit Centre, especially during the teenage years.
There are many reasons it’s wise to listen to your doctor and have your wisdom teeth removed:
- Your jaw is too small so the wisdom teeth are unable to break through your gums and they become impacted
- Your wisdom teeth only break partway through your gums, causing a flap of gum tissue to grow over that traps food and germs causing your gums to become red, swollen, painful and potentially infected
- The impacted teeth cause damage to other teeth and bone, or even a cyst to develop
- The wisdom teeth look to be coming in at an awkward angle potentially shifting other teeth in your mouth
As you prepare to have your wisdom teeth removed, here are the top four frequently asked questions we hear from patients.
1. How long do I have to wait after having my wisdom teeth extracted before I can resume physical activity?
It is recommended to refrain from heavy lifting and impact exercises for one week. This can vary from patient to patient based on the individual’s healing potential and the difficulty of the extractions.
2. I had teeth extracted this morning and one of my stitches already came out, is this OK?
Yes, stitches are usually placed during surgery to assist with bleeding and clot formation. This is especially true with wisdom tooth surgery and other tooth extractions. Loss of a stitch is not uncommon, even if it occurs on the day of surgery.
3. What kind of food can I eat after having oral surgery?
The day of and after your surgery, cool and soft foods are recommended, such as applesauce, yogurt, pudding, ice cream and smoothies. It is very important NOT to USE A STRAW during the first week. Hot foods are to be avoided for the first few days after surgery as heat may cause you to bleed longer and interfere with the formation of the clot in the extraction sites. Scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, well cooked vegetables, soft pastas, tender chicken and fish are recommended. Foods that require more chewing should be avoided for the first few days until the extraction sites start to heal.
4. I had my wisdom teeth removed this morning and I’m still bleeding. What should I do?
It is completely normal to see some blood during the first 24 hours. Consistent, firm pressure should be applied to the gauze, changing it hourly until desired hemostasis is achieved. Pressure on the extraction site will help to limit the bleeding but try not to change the gauze too frequently as this disturbs the clot. Typically the bleeding decreases after 2-3 changes following departure from the clinic. If bleeding does not subside or seems to be getting worse, call our office for assistance. It is normal to notice a bit of blood when brushing your teeth for a week after surgery.
Dr. Mitton handles some of the most complex tooth extraction cases on the island. The Summit Center staff have experience helping patients of all ages feel comfortable and calm before, during and after the surgery. To book a consultation and convenient time for surgery, contact our friendly admin staff.
Author: Dr. Greg Mitton
