Wisdom tooth extraction can be a complex procedure for the uninitiated. Once the teeth are extracted, your dentist may leave behind some stitches and the aftercare begins. Are you supposed to leave your stitches in, or take them out? How are you supposed to brush your teeth? How are you supposed to take care of your gums in the meantime?
Continue reading to see the answers to all these questions and more. You’ll learn all about wisdom tooth extraction for a clearer understanding of your post-extraction recovery.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
There are several reasons your dentist may have recommended that you have your wisdom teeth extracted:
- Tooth Crowding: Wisdom teeth develop later in life after all of your secondary “adult” teeth have grown in. The addition of more teeth at the corners of your jaw may cause your other teeth to shift, causing bite issues.
- Infection: Sometimes food debris and bacteria can get trapped near the gumline around wisdom teeth. This often leads to an infection that is best treated after extraction.
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth can grow at strange angles, causing them to either partially erupt, or grow into the gums. This can cause extreme pain in the jaw and damage other teeth if they aren’t extracted.
What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Extraction begins with a dental exam and X-rays. Your dentist then plans how they will remove each tooth. During your extraction appointment, they’ll first numb the area around the teeth to ensure you don’t feel any pain.
Next, they’ll use their instrument to separate the tooth from the ligaments that hold them in place. If the teeth are impacted, your dentist will need to make an incision in the gum tissue to get to it.
Finally, they’ll gently wiggle the tooth free and use sterile gauze to help the extraction site clot. If an incision was made, your dentist will instead use dental stitches to close the site to prevent infection.
What Should I Do with the Stitches?
The stitches placed over the extraction site are usually made from a material that dissolves on its own over time. Try your best not to brush over it with your toothbrush or flick them with your tongue. This could disrupt the healing process or increase the risk of complications.
If the stitches won’t dissolve on their own, they’ll need to be manually taken out. Once your gums have healed completely, your dentist can remove the stitches by hand.
How Do I Take Care of My Mouth While the Site Heals?
The healing time for your wisdom tooth extraction varies with your oral habits and your attention to your care. Here are some tips to help:
- Don’t drink with straws
- Stop smoking
- Avoid hot liquids and spicy food
- Refrain from strenuous exercise
- Aoid drinking alcohol
If you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth stitches or the healing process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for guidance. A well-informed approach to post-extraction care sets you up for a healthy and complication-free recovery.
About the Author
At Lake Nona Dental Group, you’ll find talented and friendly dental professionals who want to help your smile look and feel its best. They use ultramodern techniques and technology to ensure that your treatment is efficient, effective, and affordable. Call (407) 277-1779 to schedule a wisdom tooth extraction or visit the website to delve into other services they provide.
