Many teens or young adults go through wisdom teeth removal, almost as a rite of passage into adulthood. For some people, their wisdom teeth never grow or abscess, and they do not need this treatment. But when your dentist says you need your wisdom teeth extracted, he also recommends the next steps. Sometimes this involves seeing an oral surgeon. If wisdom teeth removal Orlando FL is in your future, we can help.

Wisdom teeth removal causes some pain, discomfort, and swelling. But how long does it take to recover from extraction? When will you be back to a regular diet and routine after this procedure?

About Wisdom Teeth Removal Orlando FL

Young woman ready for wisdom teeth removal Orlando FLWisdom teeth removal involves taking out your third molars, the last molars to grow in your mouth. If you experience a risk that your wisdom teeth may grow in improperly or cause more significant oral health problems, your dentist tells you it is time to remove them. This usually occurs between the ages of 16 and 20 years.

Some people do not have enough space in their mouth for these unneeded molars. When your mouth cannot accommodate them safely, they often grow in at an angle. They crowd your other teeth and sometimes do not fully grow into place. All of these issues lead to infections and pain if you do not receive wisdom teeth removal.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should undergo a dental care to check your wisdom teeth in your teen years. Of course, you need twice annual dental checkups, so your dentist looks at your wisdom teeth at this time. He uses digital dental radiographs (X-rays) and other methods of monitoring the progress of your wisdom teeth. When these tooth roots grow, your dentist checks them for signs of impaction.

Your dentist advises you when your wisdom teeth removal Orlando FL suggests must happen. The removal surgery takes place as part of one appointment. This major oral surgery requires either general or local anesthesia, another subject your dentist discusses with you. You will experience pain and discomfort after the anesthesia wears off.

After Your Wisdom Teeth Removal

After your wisdom teeth removal Orlando FL by an oral surgeon, pain and swelling occur for a period. Many people also experience some bleeding. It is essential during this recovery period to not harm your healing tissues by dislodging the blood clots as they form at the tooth removal site.

Do not eat solid food for several days after your surgery. You also must avoid drinking alcohol, soda, coffee or hot beverages for the same period. The first day of healing is the one day in your life that the dentist advises you not to brush your teeth.

Recovery usually takes about three or four days. But some people need a week for healing. Your recovery time depends on the position of your wisdom teeth when they became impacted.

Make your recovery easier by taking time off from school or work for a few days. Do not play sports during this time, either. You need to avoid dislodging those blood clots so your mouth can heal. Prescription or over-the-counter painkillers help you manage pain after the procedure, according to your dentist’s instructions.

For swelling and discomfort, place an ice pack on the outside of your mouth at the jaw. Your dentist provides more specific instructions for recovery according to your personal needs. Sometimes these recommendations include avoiding brushing, flossing, rinsing and spitting for the first day. When you start brushing your teeth again on day two, you must do so gently and rinse with warm salt water throughout the day.

Your first day’s foods include only a soft diet. Before your dental procedure, buy applesauce, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, yogurt and other soft foods. After a few days, you can eat some semi-soft foods.

Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Only your Orlando family dentist knows if you need your wisdom teeth removed. For wisdom teeth removal Orlando FL trusts, S. Keith Mahan, DDS helps patients understand when they need the procedure and how to take care of themselves during recovery. Other dental services Dr. Mahan provides:

Call S. Keith Mahan, DDS at 407-841-7241 to get a consultation and learn whether you or your teen need wisdom teeth removal.