10 Best Practices To Avoid Wisdom Tooth Extraction Complications

Your dentist does not recommend tooth extraction procedure unless it’s the last option there is. One of the rare occasions that he performs this is when you have an impacted wisdom tooth.  This condition means that your mouth does not have enough space for the third molar to fully erupt. In some patients, their molars grow under the gums or only a portion of the tooth shows on the surface. Impacted wisdom teeth not only cause pain, yet they also attract bacteria to hide in between. With these reasons, you need to immediately book an appointment with your dentist for a wisdom tooth removal

Wisdom tooth extraction procedure

The dentist will scan the tooth to check the position of the molar and its roots which is necessary for treatment planning. There’s nothing to worry about dental pain or discomfort because the dentist will numb the surrounding gums before the wisdom tooth extraction. Next, he will make an incision on your gums so he can see the molar that needs extraction. Using his dental tools, he grips on the tooth and uses a rocking motion to remove it. If it’s difficult to remove it in one piece, he breaks the tooth first and removes the pieces one by one. Wisdom tooth removal is completed by closing up the gums through stitches. Sometimes this step is no longer required. 

Best practices to prevent wisdom tooth extraction complications

1. Eat more cold foods to contract blood vessels and encourage blood clot formation. 

2. Don’t rub the extraction site with your bare hands or tongue. 

3. Manage the bleeding by putting gauze pad or tea bag on the tooth extraction area. 

4. Don’t brush the extraction site or forcefully rinse your mouth so as not to disrupt blood clot. 

5. Gargle with salt water rinse after every meal to prevent bacterial growth in the mouth. 

6. Have a good rest and limit physical activities within 72 hours. 

7. Take only the prescribed antibiotics and pain relievers to speed up your recovery. 

8. See your dentist three days after the wisdom tooth removal for a follow-up checkup. 

9. Inform your dentist right away if you experience excessive bleeding or pain even after medication. 

10. Seek advice from your dentist before going back to doing strenuous activities. 

Caring for yourself after a wisdom tooth extraction in Markham, Ontario is vital to prevent complications. Follow your dentist’s orders and you will be away from any kind of infection after the extraction. 

 

Dental Implants: Know What To Expect After The Surgery

Many patients now opt for a fixed restoration such as dental implants to replace their missing teeth. These are dental screws placed into the patient’s jaw bone to act as the tooth’s artificial roots. After several months from the surgery, the implant fuses with the natural jawbone and makes a stable base for the artificial tooth. 

The dental implant procedure is done via surgery and so patients are given stern post-care instructions to avoid complications. Furthermore, it’s vital to know what you can expect after the implant surgery. 

What to expect after placement of dental implants?

Bleeding

After the surgical procedure of placing dental implants, bleeding is expected especially within 24 hours. However, you need to manage it by placing a gauze pad and apply pressure on the area. Blood clot starts to form when you’re able to control the bleeding. 

Swelling

Another thing you can expect after the dental implant procedure is having swollen gums or cheek near the surgical site. Apply an ice pack on the swelling area to help you manage the pain while minimizing it. 

Take medication

While you’re doing a good job at controlling the bleeding and swelling, taking medication will also speed up your recovery. Antibiotics and painkillers come in handy to help you get by, especially after the local anesthesia wears off. 

Switch to a soft diet

Be easy on your teeth and gums by chewing on soft food within a week. Porridge, mashed potato, pasta, yogurt, and pancakes can be part of your meal plan while you’re still recovering from the tooth implant surgery. 

Maintain excellent oral hygiene

Caring for dental implants is like caring for your natural teeth. Hence, you still need to maintain great oral care regimen to avoid bacterial infection and complications. Also, never miss your regular dental check-up with your dentist every year so he can help you keep a healthy mouth. 

Minimal physical activity only

Please make sure to limit your physical activity and movement within the week after the dental implant procedure. As you know, more physical activity leads to increased blood circulation. This may disrupt blood clot formation and may lead to excessive bleeding which delays the healing process. Give yourself a good amount of rest so you can completely recover from the surgery. Lastly, remember to ask for approval from your dentist first before you go back to the gym or participate in active sports.  

Are you still worried about going for a dental implant procedure in Markham, Ontario? Talk to your dentist about it. He will assure that everything will be fine when you abide by his stern post-care instructions.