Wisdom teeth

The back molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are the last adult teeth to erupt in your mouth. They come in from the top and bottom on both sides, usually between the ages of 17 and 21. Many people do not have enough space in their jaws to accommodate wisdom teeth without their other teeth shifting. This can lead to all kinds of problems.

Removal of wisdom teeth

If this is the case for you, the dentist will likely recommend surgery to remove them. Wisdom tooth removal is very common, and recovery can take up to a week after your wisdom tooth has been extracted, depending on your specific case.

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The treatment

Wisdom tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure, which means you arrive at and leave our dental center on the same day. If you receive local anesthesia or sedation during the surgery, you will likely wake up in the dental chair. If you opt for general anesthesia, it will take a little longer for you to wake up.

After the treatment

When your wisdom tooth has been extracted, you may still experience quite a bit of discomfort after the procedure. A common question on Google is, “how long does pain last after wisdom tooth extraction?” That is why we have listed five tips for you to reduce pain after wisdom tooth extraction and to promote a quick recovery:

Tip 1: Take painkillers immediately after the treatment

Because a local anesthetic starts to wear off 3 to 4 hours after the treatment, it is important to start taking painkillers immediately after the procedure. This will prevent you from experiencing pain after having a wisdom tooth extracted.

Tip 2: Provide cooling

It is perfectly normal for your cheek to swell after the procedure. To counteract the swelling, it is therefore advisable to hold a cold pack against your cheek. Not only does the cooling help reduce the swelling, but it also numbs the throbbing pain after wisdom tooth extraction.

Tip 3: Provide liquid food

Naturally, you must eat after having a wisdom tooth extracted. However, liquid food is generally perceived as more pleasant after the procedure. This way, you protect the wounds while eating. We also advise against eating (very) hot or cold food after a wisdom tooth extraction, as the local anesthetic will not yet have worn off.

Tip 4: Only start rinsing on the first day after treatment

Good oral hygiene promotes healing. When your wisdom tooth has been extracted, it is important to rinse your mouth with a mouthwash or saline solution after the first day. Rinse after every meal or at least twice a day.

Tip 5: Brush your teeth twice a day

Of course, it is also important to start brushing your teeth again after the first or second day of your treatment, depending on the pain you experience after the wisdom tooth extraction. Use a soft brush and brush gently twice a day around the wound.

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