Wisdom teeth can cause pain both before or after removal. This is most commonly due to an infection in or around a wisdom tooth. Wisdom teeth grow much later than other permanent teeth, usually developing in late adolescence or adulthood, at the back of the mouth behind the other teeth. In many cases it is recommended to remove them, either preventatively or remedially. This may be due to predicted overcrowding, impaction, infection or other issues.
Our team of dentists monitor patients throughout their adolescence, to ensure possible issues are detected before damage or infection occurs. This involves observing crowding, pain, and conducting X-rays. At Kew Dentistry, our team performs wisdom teeth extractions with efficiency and skill, in even the most complex cases. With a dedicated surgicentre, Kew Dentistry is equipped to handle every case of wisdom teeth removal, from simple extractions to complicated surgeries.Â
After your wisdom teeth removal procedure, there is an inherent risk of infection of the wisdom tooth area. This is common across all surgical procedures and is completely manageable with preventative infection control methods.Â
Method #1: Warm salt rinse
This is the number one key tip that your doctor will give you. Fill up a cup with warm water, and add a pinch of salt. Mouthful by mouthful, swish the water around your mouth, focussing on the back of your mouth where the teeth were removed. Rinse and gargle thoroughly before spitting each mouthful out. Continue this until the cup is empty. Warm salt rinse should first be used 24-48 hours after the surgery (when bleeding stops), or as your dentist advises. You should continue doing this for around a week following the procedure, or until your mouth mobility returns to normal.
Method #2: Get your diet right
Following your wisdom teeth removal procedure, it is essential that your diet changes. Simply, you will need to adopt a soft diet consisting only of food and drinks that require very minimal chewing. You may be unable to open your mouth fully, and any chewy foods will stick to the wound and cause infection. The duration of this diet will depend on your individual recovery, depending on the number of teeth removed and your mouth mobility. We suggest sticking to soups, yogurt, smoothies, puree, stewed fruit or vegetables and similar.Â
Method #3: Ice packsÂ
Ice is essential to managing the swelling and inflammation immediately after the procedure. You should apply an ice pack to your jaw and face intermittently on the day of the procedure, and the day after. You can continue this as needed to manage any ongoing pain.
Method #4: Get some rest!
Make sure you take time off work, school, or university to have a wisdom tooth removal procedure. It is an ordeal for your body, and even if you think you will be fine to return to work shortly after, the chances are you will struggle. You will need to focus on recovering from the procedure and preventing infection in the days following, as well as resting, to avoid infection.Â