Before discussing wisdom teeth aftermath and the removal procedure, we want to give you some background. One of the most common oral operations in the USA is wisdom teeth extraction. According to an estimate, 95% of Americans get their wisdom teeth removed even if they don’t pose any health problems. Looking at the number of complications these teeth cause because of their absurd positioning and late age of development makes it understandable why a lot of people go ahead and get it at a young age, proactively preventing the plethora of painful health conditions and hygiene problems wisdom teeth leads to.
Even though it is a commonly practiced procedure worldwide, these days, some doctors advise against getting it removed unless absolutely necessary. Given that wisdom teeth removal was almost a rite of passage for American youngsters, one might wonder why doctors are now recommending against it. The answer lies in the accompanying risks and possible difficulties this surgery can cause.
A lot of factors influence the aftermath of wisdom teeth removal. Especially for patients going for the procedure, it is important to know what to expect and how to lower down the probability of any complication. This blog takes you through the aftermath of wisdom teeth extraction surgery and the relevant important stuff.
WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION PROCEDURE:
Before we proceed further, it is essential to know the surgical process of extraction to understand the aftermath better.
The procedure of extraction depends on the positioning of teeth. Wisdom teeth develop at a time when permanent ones have already replaced milk teeth. Due to this, there is very little, or no room left for the large flat wisdom teeth to develop and grow properly. Therefore, they often grow at a horizontal angle or sideways. At other times they don’t even erupt out entirely of the gums. Instead, they become impacted that is they either partially or wholly remain inside the soft tissues or the jaw bone. The number of problems wisdom teeth cause is attributed to their weird position.
The extraction process for a fully grown wisdom tooth is the same as any other tooth in the mouth. But in the case of impaction, it gets a bit complex. To reach your impacted teeth, the doctor is required to cut through the gums and the jaw bone around. The tooth mostly does not come out in the whole piece to preserve as much jawbone and soft tissue as possible.
Wisdom teeth surgery is a major operation and involves many complexities and intricacies. A lot of the post-operational problems occur because of something going wrong during the process.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF THIRD MOLAR EXTRACTION:
Wisdom teeth or the set of third molars can result in the following complications:
DRY SOCKETS: After the surgery, a blood clot forms at the site of extraction. This clot helps in healing and covers the site, protecting it from bacteria, saliva, and other things that could result in infection. It is easy for this blood clot to dislodge. It could happen either due to harshly brushing it off or even drinking from a straw. This displacement of the blood clot is called ‘alveolar osteitis,’ also known as dry socket. It is an extremely painful condition and leaves the socket open, exposing the nerves and the bones. This could cause significant damage to the site if left untreated.
NERVE INJURY: Wisdom teeth lie in close relation to the inferior alveolar nerve. This nerve supplies the lower teeth, lips, and chin. This nerve can get damaged during the surgery, causing loss of sensation in the lips and surrounding area. Mostly the injury is minor and causes temporary damage only, but in severe cases, the loss of sensation could be permanent. It is important to mention that this condition is rare, but it is crucial to choose an experienced professional dentist for yourself to stay on the safe side.
INFECTIONS: After removing the teeth, it takes at minimum a week to recover and resume a regular routine. Swelling and pain make it difficult to brush adequately. Besides, as a result of a dry socket also, the exposed area can develop infections. The chances of infection are less than 2%, but it is still a possible painful situation, so you must abide by the doctor’s guidelines to prevent it.
Discussed above are some of the main complications of wisdom teeth surgery. Your experiences after the operation largely depend on the occurrence of these. Now that you know about it let us move to the main subject- the after-effects.
THE AFTERMATH AND SIDE EFFECTS OF WISDOM TEETH SURGERY:
Following are the possible risks and side effects of wisdom teeth extraction. The probability of their occurrence depends on how extensive the procedure needs to be. Here is what to prepare for with wisdom teeth aftermath.
- VOMITING: After surgery, the doctor prescribes medicines to combat pain and other problems, if any. These medicines might not suit every patient and can cause nausea and vomiting. While it is normal to throw up after surgery, the doctor should be called if it continues for a day or two.
- SWELLING: Swelling is typical after surgery. According to a study, all patients that underwent wisdom teeth extraction surgery experienced pain and swelling. This swelling lasts between a couple of days to a few weeks and goes away on its own. Home care routines like applying an ice pack or warm water bags can help with it.
- SORE THROAT: Teeth extraction surgeries require you to keep your mouth open for the entire procedure. In the case of wisdom teeth, this continues for approximately 45 minutes. Therefore, sore throat and dried bruised lips are expected after the operation.
- FEVER: Some people experience fever after the surgery. It is a serious condition, and if it gets high or persists for days, the doctor should be consulted immediately.
- DENTAL CYSTS: Dental cysts might develop as a result of infections or dry sockets. The wound at the extraction site might also get bruised, leading to cysts. It is a severe condition and can damage jawbone, teeth, and nerves.
- BLEEDING: Traces of blood after oral surgery is normal. But if the blood continues oozing out of the wound days after the extraction, that could result from infection or gum inflammation.
- PAIN: Pain after oral surgeries is normal, and doctors give you pain killers to keep it in control. If, however, the pain does not go away even after 3-4 days, you should call your dentist. Excruciating pain for an extended period might indicate the development of a secondary complication.
Many factors determine the aftermath of the surgery, such as how involved the procedure had to be, what position your teeth were in before removal, the success of the surgery, and how well you cared for the oral health after the procedure. It is essential to ask your doctor as to what you should be expecting as a patient. Bear in mind that it is paramount to inform them if you feel any complications arising.
HOW TO CARE FOR TEETH AFTER SURGERY?
Good aftercare can significantly reduce the risks of any complications and can help you recover fast. Given below are some of the tips, dos, and don’ts after wisdom teeth extraction surgery.
- AVOID SMOKING: Research tells that smoking increases the risk of infection, dry sockets, and gum diseases.
- MAINTAIN ORAL HYGIENE: One of the primary reasons wisdom teeth removal is preferred is that it is difficult to maintain. They are located at the backside of the mouth, often ingrown, and no matter how hard you try, it isn’t easy to clean. After the surgery, due to wounds and other reasons, your gums, teeth, and bones become even more prone to inflammation and diseases.
Regularly flossing and brushing can help prevent decay, cysts, and infection.
- FOLLOW THE PRESCRIPTION: Your doctor would inquire about your health history if you are on any medications, your past surgeries before the operation. Based on that, they would prescribe a personalized aftercare plan and prescriptions. It is incredibly crucial to stick to your doctor’s advice to ensure a healthy recovery.
- REGULAR DENTAL CHECKUPS: Routine dental checkups should anyways be practiced. But particularly after oral surgery, that too a major one, it becomes even more important to schedule regular appointments with your dentist. This is helpful not just to keep the health of other teeth in check but also to catch any developing health problem so that it could be nipped in the bud.
- DON’T DO HEAVY EXERCISES: Strenuous workouts, cardio, heavy lift, and other hardcore sports and exercises might put a strain on your teeth and slow down the healing. Therefore, at least for a week after the operation, heavy exercises should be avoided. You can go for easy yoga asanas or some other light, less energy-consuming, quick workouts.
- EAT SOFT FOODS: Oral surgeries can increase the sensitivity of teeth many folds. It is, therefore, better to consume mild soft foods and fluids to prevent pain. Solid food can get stuck between the dry socket and can be difficult to remove; hence, it should be avoided.
CONCLUSION:
We hope you gained some valuable, helpful knowledge on wisdom teeth surgery and its aftermath. Now that you know the possibilities after surgery, stay prepared for them mentally and consult your doctor if you have any fear or confusion concerning it.
Full mouth extraction (FME) is a common way to remove all the teeth that have been affected by extensive dental caries, widespread periodontal disease, or simply for better prosthetic treatments.
There are other reasons for full mouth dental extractions such as:
1. Financial barriers
2. No dental insurance
3. Age of the patients
4. Medical comorbidities
5. Inadequate social assistance
6. Poor access to dental care
7. Advanced diseases
Most cases of widespread infection or periodontal disease are caused by neglect, poor oral hygiene, or genetic factors that make your teeth and gums more likely to disease.
According to a survey conducted by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2% of adults aged 20-64 and 17% of adults over the age of 65 in the United States are without teeth.
What Are The Treatment Options to Replace My Teeth?
Treatment planning before starting the extraction procedure is mandatory. It may involve a complete or a removable partial denture or placement of a single or multiple implants or both. The surgeon and the restorative dentist decide the need for a temporary partial or complete immediate denture. There is a consideration for the need for any soft tissue surgery such as tuberosity reduction or the removal of undercuts or exostoses in critical areas. If dental implants are planned to be placed, it may restrict the choice of bone trimming and socket compression. In some cases, dental implants can be placed at the same time as the teeth are extracted. This would require the preparation of a surgical guide stent to assist in aligning the implants.
Which Teeth Should be Extracted First?
Usually, the upper teeth are removed first before the lower ones for several reasons:
1. The anesthetic solution starts working and also disappears more rapidly. This means that the surgeon can begin the surgical procedure soon after the injections have been given.
2. During the extraction process, debris such as parts of amalgams, fractured crowns, and bone chips may fall into the empty sockets of the lower teeth.
3. Upper teeth are removed with the main component of an outward force. Little or no downward traction force is used in the removal of the upper teeth.
Tooth removal usually begins with the extraction of the back teeth first. Canines are the most difficult to remove and usually are extracted last.
What Happens During Multiple Extractions?
When executing multiple extractions, the dentist will expose bone by soft tissue reflection to form a small envelope flap, around all the teeth in a quadrant. The dentist will luxate teeth in the quadrant with the straight elevator and then extract with forceps.
If the removal of any of the teeth requires the use of excessive force, the surgeon removes a small portion of the front bone to prevent fracture and excessive bone loss. It is beneficial to do as much luxation of all teeth in an area to be removed before extracting any of them.
After the extractions are achieved, the dentist will the bone into its pre-existing position unless implants are planned. The soft tissue is repositioned, and the surgeon palpates the ridge to determine areas of sharp bony spicules and undercuts.
If a removable partial or complete denture is scheduled, the dentist will smooth any pointed spicules. Soft tissue is evaluated for the presence of extra granulation tissue. If granulation tissue is present, it should be removed for it may prolong postoperative hemorrhage.
How Long Does It Take To Complete a Full Mouth Extraction?
A full mouth extraction will, as expected, take longer than extracting just one or two teeth. However, you might be surprised to learn that the extra time isn’t all that much longer. The majority of the time spent during surgery is spent administering medication, which includes any anesthetic (local or general) and possibly sedation. To extract a single tooth, the entire procedure should take between 20 and 40 minutes. Additional teeth extractions may take 3-15 minutes, depending on their location and condition.
Keep in mind that depending on whether your tooth is visible or impacted, some extractions will be simple or surgical. This can have an impact on how long the procedure takes.
Care After the Removal of Multiple Teeth
The area operated on will swell for about two days. There may be swelling and discoloration around the eye. Applying an ice pack to the jaw for the first 24 -48 hours will help limit swelling if applied soon after your surgery. The process is to apply the ice pack to the face for 20 minutes and keep it away for 20 minutes after.
If immediate dentures have been inserted, it is advisable to keep them in place until the next appointment or as instructed.
Sore spots may develop. It is recommended to make an appointment within 24-48 hours after surgery and make the important adjustments to relieve the sore spots. Failure to keep the appointment may result in severe denture sores, which will prolong the healing process.
Rinsing
The patient is advised against rinsing their mouth on the day of surgery. The day after, your dentist may recommend a full glass (8oz) of warm water with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda that can be used for gentle rinsing. This can be 3 – 6 times a day for the first week following surgery.
Eating
Drinking liquids or eating soft foods such as soup, eggs, ice cream, yogurt, or mashed potatoes is advised to prevent pain at the surgical site. Gradual transition to eating solid food is recommended.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid After Full Mouth Extraction
1. It is advisable to avoid drinking alcoholic or carbonated beverages.
2. Prevent the use of straws for drinking and sipping. The sucking action may cause the blood clot in the socket to dislodge.
3. The patient is advised to avoid spitting. The sucking action may cause the blood clot in the socket to dislodge. It is a painful delay in healing resulting in early loss of the blood clot from a healing tooth socket. It generally occurs in lower molar areas.
Symptoms of dry socket include an increase in pain about the third or fourth day after surgery and the inability to get relief from prescribed pain medications. The dentist will apply irrigation to clean the socket and place a healing dressing to enable uneventful wound healing.
4. The patient is advised to avoid smoking during the first 3 – 7 days after full mouth extraction surgery to aid in healing and prevent dry sockets.
5. The patient is instructed against the consumption of foods like nuts, sunflower seeds, or popcorn which may get lodged in the socket area.
Nausea
Nausea is a common side effect of opioid pain relievers. If you experience severe nausea or vomiting, you may need to discontinue your pain medication or take anti-nausea medication.
Birth Control Pills
Some antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Therefore a consultation with a physician is recommended before commencing the procedure.
Physical Activity
Limited physical activity is advised during the first 24 – 48 hours after surgery. Over-exertion may lead to postoperative bleeding.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Full Mouth Extraction?
If you have had all of your teeth extracted, your recovery time will be determined by how closely you follow the aftercare instructions. If you follow dentist instructions exactly and there are no complications, the pain should go away after a few days. Your gums should be healed in 7 to 10 days. The gap will have been filled with new bone and gum tissue. You can then begin reintroducing foods that you had previously avoided, such as crispier foods.
When Should I be Able to Return to Work or School After Teeth Extraction?
If there are no complications, the swelling has subsided, and you are feeling well, you should be able to return to school or work soon after the procedure. We advise patients to strike a balance between not overworking themselves after surgery and remaining relatively active. The more we move, the more blood flows through our bodies, and we recover faster. Balance is essential for optimal healing, which requires each of us to listen to our bodies’ individual needs with discernment.
What is The Cost of a Full Mouth Extraction?
The cost of a full mouth extraction is determined by the number of teeth that must be extracted. A full mouth extraction can typically cost up to $3,000. Without insurance, the average cost of a simple extraction in California ranges from $150 to $300. However, the location and level of complexity both play a significant role in how much it will cost.
Another factor to consider is the type of sedation used during the full mouth extraction, as this has a significant impact on the overall cost of the procedure. Call your dentist to discuss your options for a more detailed estimate.
Treatment Outcome
Healthcare providers must adhere to the principles of ethics and consider the request of the patient while suggesting full mouth extractions as a treatment. The treatment plan following a full mouth extraction must have the patient’s consent, cooperation, and a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the wellbeing of the patient.