Wisdom teeth are extra molars that usually appear around age 18 or 20. They are located behind the upper front teeth and above the lower jaw. They are called wisdom teeth because they resemble the crown of a wise man’s tooth.
Most people don’t even realize they have them until they get in pain. If you notice a gap between your two top front teeth, consider having them removed.
There are several reasons why you should remove your wisdom teeth. One reason is that they can cause gum disease, infections, and abscesses. Another reason is that they can damage other parts of your mouth.
About Wisdom Teeth Stitches
Wisdom teeth stitches are used when there is an infection or inflammation in the area where the tooth is located. This procedure reduces swelling and bleeding, making it easier to clean out the site. It also helps prevent any further complications.
When you see your dentist, they will first examine your gums and check for any sign of infection. Then, they will take X-rays to ensure no decay or bone loss in the area. After this, they will numb the area with local anaesthesia. Next, they will insert a needle into the skin and gum tissue. They will then inject some numbing medication into the gum tissue. This will allow them to perform the surgery without causing too much discomfort.
After the procedure, they will apply pressure to the wound site for about 15 minutes. You may feel some mild throbbing, but it shouldn’t last more than 30 minutes.
After the surgery, you will need to rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water. Your doctor will instruct you on how often you must brush your teeth. You will also need an antibiotic ointment to help heal the wound.
Typical aftercare instructions
According to this expert dentist in Oakbrook Terrace, you should avoid eating hard foods for 24 hours after the surgery. You should also not be able to eat anything cold or hot for 12 hours after the procedure and drink plenty of fluids during this time.
After the initial healing process, you will be given antibiotics to keep the infection under control. You must continue taking the antibiotics for up to 6 weeks after the surgery and carefully follow all of your doctor’s instructions during this period.
Foods to avoid following wisdom teeth extraction
If you have wisdom teeth extracted, you must avoid eating certain foods for up to 2 months after the surgery. These include:
- Chewing gum
- Hard candy
- Ice cream
- Chocolate
- Alcoholic beverages
- Fried foods
- Spicy foods
- Carbonated drinks
- Caffeine
- Raw fruits and vegetables
It is important to note that you must stop smoking at least 1 week before the surgery. Smoking increases the risk of postoperative bleeding and infection.
Other things to avoid following wisdom teeth extraction
There are many other things that you should avoid doing after having your wisdom teeth removed. Some of them include:
- Using razors or clippers on your face
- Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other pain relievers
- Drinking alcohol
- Getting sunburned
- Having sex
- Wearing contact lenses
Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost
The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies depending on your treatment type. The most common treatments include:
- Root Canal Treatment – $100-$300
- Simple Extractions – $150-$400
- Complex Extraction – $200-$600
- Implantation – $1,000+
The average wisdom teeth removal price ranges from $500 to $2,000. It depends on the number of teeth involved, whether they were impacted, and the case’s complexity.
What does wisdom tooth removal involve?
A wisdom tooth extraction involves removing one or several impacted wisdom teeth from the jawbone. The most common reason why people have these teeth removed is that they cause problems such as:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Tooth decay
- Jaw deformity
The surgery itself takes less than half an hour. However, the recovery period can vary depending on the number of teeth removed. If only one tooth needs to be removed, the patient will experience very little pain and swelling. On the other hand, if multiple teeth need to be removed, patients will experience significant amounts of pain and swelling.
The recovery period usually lasts 3 to 5 days. Patients who undergo surgery will need to take pain medication for the first few days after the surgery and wear a splint for 4-6 weeks after the surgery. This helps prevent any possible complications.
During the first few days after wisdom teeth removal, it is recommended that patients sleep comfortably. They should avoid sleeping on their backs because this can lead to bedsores. In addition, it is essential to stay hydrated by drinking lots of liquids.
What do wisdom teeth holes look like when healing?
Wisdom tooth holes usually appear after the third molar has erupted into the mouth. They appear as a slight indentation at the gum line. The hole becomes more prominent as the tooth erupts until it reaches the gums. When the tooth finally emerges from the gum, the hole closes up.
How do you know if your wisdom teeth stitches come out?
If you feel pain when you chew food, you should probably go to the dentist for stitch removal. However, if you don’t feel any pain, you may be able to wait until the stitches fall out naturally.
How do I know if I have a dry socket with stitches?
Dry sockets occur when the gums around the tooth become inflamed and swollen. The swelling causes pain and tenderness around the affected area. If you experience these symptoms, you should visit your dentist immediately for treatment.
Do wisdom teeth stitches turn white?
Wisdom teeth stitches usually turn white after about 6 months. However, they may turn black if the patient has had a lot of bleeding during the procedure.
Are wisdom teeth stitches irritating the cheek?
Wisdom teeth stitches irritate the cheek because they cause pain when chewing food. The best way to treat wisdom tooth pain is to visit your dentist, who will remove them safely. If you do not want to go to the dentist, try using ice packs for 10 minutes.
When do wisdom teeth stitches dissolve?
Wisdom teeth stitches usually dissolve after about 2 weeks. However, some patients may need more extended periods for the stitches to dissolve completely. You should contact your dentist immediately if you experience pain while chewing food.