The wisdom teeth are the third and last set of molars that present themselves, at the end of your teens or in your early 20s. When they are properly aligned, they don't present a problem, but in most cases, they are not. This necessitates their surgical removal. If a misaligned wisdom tooth continues to exist, it can cause damage to the nerves, or can destroy the adjacent tooth or teeth from the roots.
Recovery from Removal
The recovery process from surgery to remove wisdom teeth depends on how the tooth or teeth were positioned in the jawbone before removal. In some instances, the tooth can lie stuck (impacted) in vertical, horizontal distal or mesial positions. Removing impacted wisdom teeth is more painful and has a longer recovery. Another factor that plays a role in recovery is the nature of side effects a patient experiences. Possible side effects can include bleeding; facial swelling; dry socket, which means an incomplete blood clot, and parasthesia, which means damage to the underlying nerve. If these complications occur, recovery will be more difficult.
Medication
Medication is generally needed to reduce the pain left by the incision and to minimize potential side effects. Medications include NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and in some cases prescription pain killers that are simply higher doses of the over-the-counter painkillers. If side effects are experienced, especially in the case of impacted wisdom teeth, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Other Aftercare Tips
Some simple home remedies can go a long way in making recovery easier. Gargling with warm salt water can greatly reduce contamination at the site of the surgery and cure the abrasions left by the incision. Avoid commercial mouthwashes during this time. It is important to continue to brush twice a day, but the tooth next to the removed tooth has to be avoided. Turmeric, an herbal remedy, can help as it has antiseptic qualities. For facial swelling, treat the area with ice for the first 24 hours, and with heat packs after. Keep a warm and moist towel on the jaw, over the place of the extracted tooth. Keep the towel on and off for 20 minute cycles. Repeat if necessary. Other tips include eating soft food and avoiding alcohol and tobacco until the wound has healed. You can also use an extra pillow to get some added comfort for the jaw. Heavy exercise is best avoided for the first few days. This can damage the sutures, or cause an eruption leading to further bleeding. In case of slightly uncommon complications like dry socket and parasthesia, it is necessary to see the dentist who performed the extraction for special care and treatment.
