Prevention, Minimal Invasiveness, Quick Recovery
In recent history, medical professionals have worked to improve procedures and surgeries with three main objectives. Prevention, minimal invasiveness, and less complications with shorter recovery times. By working to improve in these areas some incredible advancements have been made. Robots can perform heart surgery using arteries for entry points resulting in patients going home after only a few hours post op. Patients with knee and hip surgeries are walking soon after waking up from anastatic because of new techniques to reduce swelling and pain. Just to name a few.
Dentist who are doctors, follow the same principals. They work with you first and foremost to prevent problems with your teeth and gums. They also in recent decades, have refined procedures and oral surgeries to be as least invasive as possible. For example, even before injecting freezing Dr. Mathews will use a numbing jell to reduce the discomfort of the needle as it pierces your gums. Having an accurate knowledge of exactly where specific nerves are that provide feeling to each tooth also allows for fewer injection sites and effective freezing. I recently had a filling and felt nothing at all! Afterwards there was also much advice given to direct aftercare and recovery, and in my case three hours later you wouldn’t even know I had visited my dentist.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Dr. McIntosh, an oral surgeon at Erbsville Dental also works diligently to have a small impact on his patients lives. With his focus being wisdom tooth removal that can be a challenge considering what is involved. Before removing a wisdom tooth, Dr. McIntosh will give you a local anesthetic to numb (freeze) the area where the tooth will be removed. General anesthetic may be used, if several or all your wisdom teeth will be removed at one visit. This prevents pain throughout the whole body and induces you to sleep through the procedure. Often it is recommended that you don’t eat or drink after midnight on the night before surgery so that the anesthetic doesn’t make you ill.
To remove the wisdom tooth, Dr. McIntosh will open the gum tissue over the tooth and remove any bone that is covering the tooth. He will then separate the tissue connecting the tooth to the bone and remove the tooth. Sometimes the tooth is cut into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.
After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches. Some stitches dissolve over time and others need to be removed after a few days. Your dentist will tell you whether your stitches need to be removed. A folded cotton gauze pad placed over the wound will help stop the bleeding. You can understand why it may be impossible to avoid discomfort completely, but throughout the operation everything possible is done to prevent unnecessary pain.
What To Expect After Surgery?
In most cases, the recovery period lasts only a few days. Painkillers are prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon. Take them as directed.
Directly after surgery avoid lying flat. Instead, prop up your head with pillows. This can prevent or slow any bleeding. Also, try and relax. Don’t go straight back to work, you will need time to rest. You can apply pressure to the gauze pads and help stop minor bleeding by gently biting down on the pads. If you still have bleeding after 24 hours you should call Erbsville Dental.
After any dental procedure involving freezing and while your mouth is numb, be careful not to bite the inside of your cheek or lip, or your tongue. Also, don’t drink anything hot as the potential for a burn is real. You can do a lot of damage without feeling it.
Speaking of freezing, start icing as soon as possible once you are home. Place the ice pack on the outside of your cheek. Apply 15 to 20 minutes at a time for the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling. Begin on the second day, heating the area gently. This will increase blood flow and help heal the area faster. A cloth soaked in hot water then thoroughly wrung out can achieve the soothing warmth that is needed. Do this for up to 3 days off and on.
Eating Again
Start eating soft foods to begin with such as soup and pudding, then gradually introduce more solid foods as your mouth heals and to the extent you feel comfortable. But avoid straws early on as creating suction can add pressure and discomfort. Listen to the sensitive nerves in your mouth, they’ll tell you when you go too far.
On day two you can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Make your own salt water by mixing 1 tsp of salt in a medium-sized glass (8 oz) of warm water. Remember rinse gently.
What to Avoid?
Smoking after any surgery is not recommended, but especially after oral surgery. Puling in air through the cigarette applies pressure like using a straw. It will not only be uncomfortable, it will also introduce toxins, germs, and contamination to the surgical site. In addition, smoking also decreases needed blood supply to the area and prolongs healing times.
As much as possible avoid touching the area with your tongue or fingers. This can irritate the area and my even increase the risk of infection. You can proceed with your brushing routine but be a bit more careful than usual and avoid bumping into the tender areas.
Erbsville Dental is Here for You
Erbsvilled dental will not leave you in your hour of need. You will leave with detailed instructions to avoid complications and heal quickly. Follow them carefully so that your wisdom tooth removal can go as smooth as possible. Call Dr. Mathews or Dr. McIntosh with any questions or concerns. Erbsville Dental is Caring, Friendly, Experienced.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Accordingly, always seek the advice of your Dentist or other healthcare providers regarding a dental condition or treatment.
