Are you about to get your wisdom teeth extracted? Here’s what to expect.
For people needing to get wisdom teeth extractions here in Ajax, ON, our dentists Dr. Saeid Jafarpour, Dr. Kevin Wong and Dr. Azza Elhaddad want you to feel fully prepared for your upcoming procedure. Here’s what you should know about having your wisdom teeth removed,
Do I have wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to erupt. They usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25, and the sooner they are removed the better for the health of your smile (plus younger adults bounce back quicker after surgery). Most people have wisdom teeth, but a few don’t. Your Ajax, ON, dentists can determine whether you have wisdom teeth and whether you will require extractions during a simple dental examination.
Do I need to have my wisdom teeth out?
Not necessarily. Some people can keep their wisdom teeth without issues; however, this is usually the exception. Most wisdom teeth are impacted, which means that they never fully erupt through the gums. This can lead to decay and infection. Some wisdom teeth come in crooked, which can also lead to damage to neighboring teeth. Plus, our jaws aren’t often big enough to support these new teeth, which can cause crowding. In most cases, wisdom teeth removal is the best choice.
You’ll need to eat a soft diet
As you might imagine, you’re not going to go from surgery to immediately chowing down on a burger. Your gums have just been stitched up and need time to fully heal. For the first week, you’ll want to eat a soft diet that is rich in vitamins and nutrients to help speed the healing process along. Some foods you can safely enjoy include,
- Yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Soups
- Smoothies
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
- Avocado
- Hummus
- Oatmeal
You won’t be able to brush the day of your surgery
We know that you’ll probably want to brush your teeth after surgery, but you need to wait until the next day to do so. Yes, you’ll also need to hold off on rinsing out your mouth as this can lead to dry socket. Give yourself the day to just rest and relax, and then the next day you can gently brush your teeth (just make sure to avoid your stitches).
Want to find out whether you will need to get a wisdom teeth extraction now or in the near future? This is something that our Ajax, ON, dentists can determine through simple X-rays. To schedule a consultation for you or your teen, call Ajax Dental Centre at (905) 426-8304.