Had a wisdom tooth removed? Tips for after your extraction!

Why do we remove wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth we get as adults. Did you know that some people only get one, while others get all four wisdom teeth? It’s also not uncommon for some people not to develop wisdom teeth at all.

It is typical for wisdom teeth to emerge between the ages of 17 and 21, growing at the very back of the mouth. For some, wisdom teeth may stay in the jaw without ever emerging—these can often remain undisturbed.

The most common reasons for removing wisdom teeth are large cavities, if they emerge and cause problems for the neighboring tooth (due to lack of space), or inflammation around the tooth, often because it’s hard to clean properly with a toothbrush.

When you come in for an examination, we will conduct a full assessment and take X-rays. If you've had issues with inflammation around a wisdom tooth, or if there is a large cavity, we will evaluate whether it/they need to be removed. During the examination, we will determine whether the tooth can be extracted normally or if it requires surgical removal. Tooth extraction may feel uncomfortable, but the tooth is well anesthetized, and the procedure should be painless.

You can read more about wisdom teeth here.

Tips after wisdom tooth extraction

We will always provide you with guidance after the extraction, but here are our top tips:

• Wait about 2-3 hours before eating, rinsing, or smoking. Cold food and drinks are recommended for the first day.
• It is normal to experience some bleeding for 1-2 days after the procedure, and you may have a taste of blood in your mouth.
• Stay calm during the first day, and avoid activities that raise your pulse, as this can increase bleeding.
• Avoid brushing the area for the first few days; afterward, brush gently.
• Use a mouthwash as recommended by your dentist.
• The wound takes time to heal, so be patient. For tenderness or pain, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Sometimes stitches are used after tooth removal. These typically dissolve on their own. Your dentist will schedule a follow-up in about a week if the stitches need to be removed.
• If you experience swelling and pain after 4-5 days, schedule an appointment for a check-up.

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