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Being the last of the molars and the last to erupt, complications due to wisdom teeth are fairly common. They can even cause tooth movement, oftentimes reversing previously received or ongoing orthodontic treatment. Therefore, when a dentist says these teeth need to be removed, there’s just no other way.

Despite the reputation of how painful and terrible recovery post- oral surgery can be, in most cases, the cause of such stress is due to the negligence of after-care and unawareness of how to manage the open extraction site properly.

So we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 10 things you must do for recovery, proven by facts, experience, and statistics. If you want to learn how to avoid post-surgery complications and reduce post-operative pain upon removal of wisdom teeth, continue reading the instruction list below.

1. Don’t Spit

Immediately after the removal of a wisdom tooth, blood and saliva may pool in the mouth. Simultaneously, the body’s defense system forms a blood clot as a plug in the extraction site to stop the bleeding and begin healing. Removing blood/saliva from your mouth has to be done with utmost care, making sure that there is no spitting force that would potentially create a vacuum in the mouth that could dislodge the healing blood clot. The recommended way to do so is by opening your mouth slightly over a sink and letting the blood/saliva flow out while tilting your head forward. Creating a suction pressure in the mouth and dislodging the naturally occurring blood clot in the extraction area can cause painful complications such as a dry socket

2. Do Not Use Straws

As explained above, preserving the blood clot is of utmost importance; another way to ensure that it remains intact is by avoiding the use of straws after the procedure until healing has occurred. The use of straws, just like spitting, creates a suction pressure in the mouth that should be avoided.

3. Eat Soft and Slightly Cold Food

Post-surgery it is recommended not to have anything very hot or very cold at least in the first 24 hours after the extraction. Most dentists recommend slightly melted ice cream for a cooling effect after a same-day wisdom tooth extraction. In general, food items that are soft and slightly cold, requiring very minimal chewing forces, are considered best to consume. Some examples of acceptable food are:

• Yogurt
• Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables
• Soup (warm but not hot)
• Pudding
• Bananas
• Soft bread
• Applesauce
• Porridge

While chewing, attempts should be made to try and chew on the opposite side of the mouth from the extraction site, It’s important to be mindful to chew carefully so as not to bite your cheek or lip that may still be numb from anesthesia shortly after the procedure. It is also advised to avoid any hot drinks such as coffee and tea for the first 24 hours; however, they can be taken warm. Ideally, the soft diet should be continued for at least 48 hours after surgery.

4. Use Warm Saltwater Rinses

After 24 hours have passed since the extraction procedure, you should now begin saltwater rinses. The way to do this is by warming up a cup of tap water and adding a levelled teaspoon of salt and stirring it into the water. Rinse gently with the salt solution, holding it in the mouth for a minute and swishing it around. Saltwater rinses help curb infections, stop food from lodging in areas where brushing with a toothbrush may not be possible, provide relief to inflamed tissues in the mouth, and help ease the gums by promoting quicker healing. You should do this at least 3 to 4 times a day for about a week, especially after meals.

5. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking and alcohol should be off-limits on the day of and for 24 hours post-surgery. Smoking reduces blood circulation which can, in turn, affect healing. The smoke itself in the mouth can trigger and delay wound healing, possibly leading to infections if a blood clot has been dislodged or not formed yet. Alcohol is also discouraged, as its negative effect on the wound site can also lead to complications, including infections.

6. Take Your Medication on Time

One of the best ways to manage inevitable wisdom teeth removal pain and discomfort is by timely taking your prescribed medicines, on schedule. Taking painkillers at the right time ensures the therapeutic effect of stays consistent and stable, providing the best way to manage your pain. Following the routine allows a more efficient therapeutic effect and minimal distress.

7. Ice the Area

Icing the affected cheek area with an ice pack has been reported to manage inflammation, pain, and sometimes swelling. Care should be taken to moderately manage icing times and durations and to avoid ice packs completely if you have cold intolerance or hypersensitivity. 

8. Sleep with Your Head Elevated

To avoid the pooling of blood in the missing wisdom tooth area, it is advised to sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights after the procedure. Not doing so could cause the wound to throb and result in discomfort.

9. Avoid Strenuous Exercise

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends limiting strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after the extraction procedure to reduce chances of post-surgery bleeding and to minimize chances of blood clot dislodgment.

10. Don’t Miss Your Checkup Appointment

It is important to review and follow up with your dental practitioner at the time appointed to you, especially if you have had any stitches placed so they can be removed. You should visit your dentist earlier if you notice heavy bleeding, increased pain after surgery, foul taste or odor in the mouth, and fever during the recovery period.

Better Care Begins with Awareness

Knowing how to take care of your extraction site is the first step in proper management. All steps and efforts should be taken to follow your dental practitioner’s medical advice diligently and to practice methods that will promote faster healing. Straying from these instructions can come at the cost of a post-surgery infection or a hemorrhage which would further complicate and delay healing, not to mention increase pain and discomfort. Being careful and diligently following care instructions ensures quick recovery!

Dr. Hanaa Nasir is a dental professional who has worked for a well-recognized dental hospital in Pakistan, and is in the process of attaining her further education from Australia. Having graduated with honors, she is currently pursuing her Masters in Oral Surgery. Still in the early process of research based on Psychology and Dentistry, she aims to broaden dental care, and advocate for it to be integrated with mental health. Dr. Nasir dedicates most of her time to science and medicine, balancing it with her love of poetry and art. She is a regular contributor to the Rockwest Dental Clinic.

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Are you experiencing cracks in your teeth? There’s no question. Having a crack in your tooth can hurt and can also affect how you chew and eat. But don’t despair! There are treatments available that aren’t as monumental as you may expect.  Check out these causes, symptoms, and treatment options for cracked or chipped teeth.

What causes a cracked or chipped tooth?

According to one report, cracked teeth contribute to an estimated 33% of tooth loss in the general population. A number of factors that contribute to a chipped tooth. Understanding these can minimize your own risk.

• Teeth grinding is a common cause. The grinding causes pressure on the teeth, which can cause one or more teeth to crack or chip. 
• When a patient bites on hard candy, ice, or even nuts, it may create a risk of chipping a tooth. 
• Aging seems to play a role too. Teeth tend to weaken with age, which is why chipped teeth are more common in elderly patients. 
• If a patient suffers impact to the mouth, such as when they fall, there is a risk of a tooth chipping or cracking. 
• Large fillings that are placed in teeth creates a risk too; fillings can damage a tooth’s integrity. 
• In some cases, sudden temperature change in the mouth can also lead to an increased risk. 

One study found that mandibular molars are most likely to crack, with 48% of cracks reported in these teeth. The study reports that maxillary molars are next in line among most commonly cracked teeth, followed by maxillary premolars and mandibular premolars. 

What are the types of cracked teeth?

Cracked teeth are usually classified into different types. This helps a dentist determine what the most appropriate treatment options would be and whether the tooth rather needs extraction. 

• Fractured cusp: When a patient has a filling in their tooth, they may experience a fractured cusp. The crack develops around the filling. 
• Craze lines: A common type of crack that appears only in the enamel of a tooth. These cracks are exceptionally small in size. They usually run vertically across the whole tooth and can be hard to see unless close up.
• Split tooth: The crack will start at the surface of a tooth and extend to the lower part, usually below the patient’s gumline. 
• Cracked to the gum line: A severe crack that can cause tooth loss. A vertical crack can be observed on the tooth. It may extend below the gum line.
• Vertical root fracture: A type of crack that often requires extraction. The crack starts at the bottom of the tooth and then starts to extend upward. It is typically painful and sensitive, unlike craze lines.

What are symptoms of cracked teeth?

Visible cracks in a tooth are an obvious potential symptom. You may be able to see a crack on the tooth, or you might find a piece of your tooth has chipped off. There are, however, other symptoms you should note.

• Pain is a common symptom associated with a cracked or chipped tooth. And pain may be more severe when you chew.
• There may be a sensitivity toward food that is hot or cold. 
• Sensitivity to sweet food and candy. 
• There may be swelling in the gums, which could affect the area surrounding a chipped tooth. 

How is a cracked tooth diagnosed?

You can see a dentist who will need to consider a few factors to help diagnose a chipped or cracked tooth. X-rays may be taken. 

An examination can help the dentist identify cracks that are visible. A dental dye may also be used to enhance the visibility of cracks. 

Treatment for cracked teeth

There are a few treatment options. A dentist may recommend no immediate treatment if the crack is very small and only affecting the enamel. In severe cases, an extraction may be advisable. 

For cracks that need treatment, but are not severe enough for extracting, bonding may be advised. A crown can be used to cap a broken tooth. It can also be useful when a tooth chips off at the gum line. When teeth chipping is associated with infection, your dentist may want to perform a root canal. (Sorry.) And if you have cracked tooth syndrome, you may require more advanced treatment to help address gum disease and other related dental problems. 

How much does it cost to fix a cracked tooth?

The cost of fixing a cracked tooth depends on a few factors. The severity of the crack will have a significant impact on the costs associated with treatment. 

During a dentist appointment, a thorough inspection is needed. Your dentist can determine how serious the chip or crack is and then suggest appropriate treatment. 

If the chip is not serious, polishing may be suggested. This will usually cost $100 to $200. In cases where there is a more serious chip, fillings may be needed. The cost of fillings will be more than $200 in the majority of cases. 

Final thoughts

A cracked tooth can cause pain and discomfort, so when you have one, you should have it looked at. Don’t know where to start? You can search for a dentist near you on business directories, then compare the professionals in the local area. This will allow you to find a dentist that has experience doing this. Good luck! 

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