The wisdom teeth, or third molars, are commonly known for being problematic for many patients. Individuals who have an upcoming surgical procedure to remove them may have a list of questions for their dentist. Dr. Nancy Gill and her staff at Golden Dental Solutions in Golden, Colorado is here to help answer these concerns and prepare patients for their treatment. One common question is, how do I ensure a fast and speedy recovery following wisdom tooth removal?
Who needs wisdom tooth removal?
There are several reasons why a patient may need wisdom tooth removal, and this can impact the recovery time needed. Sometimes, the teeth are too far back in the mouth to be properly cleaning, resulting in the development of cavities or periodontal disease. This puts the rest of the smile at risk, and patients may need a simple extraction for these teeth that have already erupted. Other patients may experience pain caused by impaction of the wisdom teeth, which occurs underneath the gumline and requires oral surgery to remove. Recovery is faster with simple extraction than it is with surgical extraction.
How much time do I need to heal?
In situations where patients have the wisdom teeth removed with surgery, healing and recovery may take approximately two weeks. Patients may want to avid work or school for a day or two after their procedure as they may experience discomfort until the area heals. Patients should also take note of any changes or indications that an infection has occurred, which can delay recovery. During the healing process, patients should only eat soft foods and drink beverages until the stitches are removed or dissolve on their own. Problems such as swelling and dry socket may also occur, and our dental team can advise patients as to how to handle these concerns if they arise. We encourage patients to follow their dentist’s post-operative recommendations to speed the healing process.
Discuss your upcoming surgery and healing solutions available with Golden Dental Solutions
If you are considering wisdom tooth removal and want to learn more about the recovery process, we welcome you to book an appointment with Dr. Nancy Gill and her team in Golden, Colorado to discuss your concerns. Her practice is conveniently located at 1218 Arapahoe Street, and invites new patients to visit her office.
