Wisdom teeth, as the last teeth to emerge in the human mouth, often need to be extracted due to insufficient growth space, improper position and other reasons. However, when it comes to wisdom tooth extraction, many people will associate it with pain, swelling, and even the long recovery process after the operation, which fills them with fear. In fact, as long as one makes adequate preparations and masters the correct methods, the pain caused by wisdom tooth extraction can be effectively alleviated. Next, I will introduce in detail to you how to reduce the pain of wisdom tooth extraction from the three stages of before, during and after the extraction.
Preparations before Extracting Wisdom Teeth
(1) Choose an appropriate time for medical treatment
Avoid the menstrual period: During a woman’s menstrual period, her body’s blood clotting function declines. If wisdom teeth are extracted at this time, the risk of postoperative bleeding will increase significantly. Moreover, the body’s resistance is relatively weak, making it more prone to infection and causing increased pain. Therefore, it is recommended that women have their wisdom teeth extracted 3 to 7 days after their menstrual period ends.
When in good physical condition: If one is experiencing physical discomfort such as a cold, fever, or sore throat, or has chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension with unstable condition control, it is not suitable to have wisdom teeth extracted. At this time, the body’s immunity is relatively low, and the healing of the wound after tooth extraction will be affected, and the chance of infection will also increase significantly. Only when the physical condition is good and all indicators are normal can it be more conducive to the recovery after tooth extraction and reduce the pain.
Avoid overwork and excessive stress: Excessive fatigue and excessive mental stress can reduce the body’s stress response capacity. When wisdom teeth are extracted in this state, postoperative pain and discomfort may be more obvious. Therefore, before having a tooth extracted, it is essential to ensure adequate sleep, avoid staying up late and overwork, and try to adjust your mindset to maintain a relaxed and cheerful mood.
(2) Choose professional dentists and regular medical institutions
Professional dentists not only have rich experience in tooth extraction and proficient operation techniques, but also can formulate the most suitable tooth extraction plan based on the specific conditions of the patient’s wisdom teeth. They can accurately determine the growth position of wisdom teeth, the shape of the tooth root, etc., thereby minimizing damage to surrounding tissues during tooth extraction and reducing the occurrence rate of postoperative pain and complications. Formal medical institutions are equipped with complete disinfection facilities and strict infection control measures, which can effectively prevent cross-infection and ensure the health and safety of patients. When choosing dentists and medical institutions, a comprehensive assessment can be made by checking the doctors’ qualifications, patients’ evaluations, and on-site visits to the hospital’s environment and equipment.
(3) Understand the condition of wisdom teeth
Before tooth extraction, doctors usually ask patients to take oral X-rays, such as panoramic films or CBCT (cone-beam CT). These imaging examinations can clearly display information such as the growth position of wisdom teeth, the number of tooth roots, the degree of root curvature, and their relationship with peripheral nerves and blood vessels. By understanding these situations, doctors can formulate a detailed tooth extraction plan in advance, estimate the difficulty and possible risks of tooth extraction, and take corresponding measures to reduce trauma and alleviate postoperative pain. At the same time, patients themselves can also have a preliminary understanding of the condition of their wisdom teeth, increase their knowledge of the tooth extraction process, and reduce unnecessary fear and worry.
(4) Be mentally prepared
Many people’s fear of having their wisdom teeth extracted largely stems from their fear of the unknown. Therefore, before tooth extraction, patients can proactively consult their doctors about the specific process of tooth extraction, possible sensations, and postoperative precautions, etc. The more they understand, the more confident they will be, and their fear will also be correspondingly reduced. In addition, one can also relax and relieve tension by listening to music, chatting with friends and other means. Studies show that a good mental state helps improve the body’s tolerance to pain, so being mentally prepared is crucial for reducing the pain of wisdom tooth extraction.
(5) Prepare postoperative supplies in advance
Ice packs: Within 24 hours after tooth extraction, cold compresses can contight blood vessels, reduce bleeding and swelling, and thereby relieve pain. Prepare several ice packs so that you can use them at any time after tooth extraction. When applying cold compresses, wrap the ice pack with a towel to avoid direct contact with the skin. Each cold compress should last for 15 to 20 minutes, with an interval of 1 to 2 hours.
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs: Prepare an appropriate amount of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs in advance according to the doctor’s advice. Generally speaking, after tooth extraction, the anesthetic effect wears off and pain may occur. At this time, painkillers can be taken as prescribed by the doctor to relieve the pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs help prevent infection and promote wound healing. However, it should be noted that you must take the medicine strictly in accordance with the doctor’s instructions and do not increase or decrease the dosage on your own.
Mouthwash: Oral hygiene is very important after tooth extraction, but you should not brush your teeth within 24 hours after the extraction. At this point, mouthwash can play a role in cleaning the mouth, keeping it clean, reducing bacterial growth and lowering the risk of infection. Choose a mild and non-irritating mouthwash. Use it after meals and before going to bed. Rinse your mouth for about 30 seconds each time and then spit it out.
Soft foods: After tooth extraction, the wound needs time to heal, and the chewing function will also be affected to a certain extent. Therefore, prepare some soft and easily digestible foods in advance, such as porridge, noodles, egg custard, tofu, etc. Avoid eating spicy, irritating and hard foods to prevent irritation to the wound, which may cause pain and bleeding.
Coordination during the process of wisdom tooth extraction
(1) Communicate fully with the doctor
Before tooth extraction, patients should provide the doctor with detailed information about their physical condition, allergy history, etc., especially any allergies to anesthetic drugs, antibiotics and other medications. They must truthfully explain so that the doctor can choose the appropriate anesthesia method and medication. During the tooth extraction process, if you feel uncomfortable or in pain, you should inform the doctor in time and not endure it. Doctors will adjust the operation method or take corresponding measures to relieve the pain based on the patient’s feedback. At the same time, patients should also actively cooperate with the doctor’s inquiries and operations, and follow the doctor’s instructions to perform actions such as opening the mouth and swallowing. This can make the tooth extraction process smoother, shorten the operation time, and reduce trauma.
(2) Relax your body
During the tooth extraction process, excessive tension in the body can cause muscle stiffness, increasing the difficulty of tooth extraction and also intensifying the feeling of pain. Therefore, patients should try to relax their bodies. They can relieve tension by taking deep breaths, imagining light-hearted and pleasant scenes, etc. After the anesthesia takes effect, there is generally no obvious pain during the tooth extraction process, but one may feel the tooth being shaken or pulled. At this point, don’t be overly nervous or scared. Trust the doctor’s skills, maintain steady breathing and a relaxed state, which will help alleviate the discomfort.
(3) Treat anesthesia correctly
Anesthesia is a key step in reducing pain during tooth extraction. At present, the commonly used anesthesia methods for tooth extraction include local infiltration anesthesia and block anesthesia. During an anesthetic injection, there may be a slight stinging sensation, but this kind of pain is generally tolerable and lasts for a short time. After the anesthesia takes effect, the area where the tooth was extracted will gradually lose sensation. Before the anesthetic effect wears off, be careful not to bite your lips, tongue or other parts, as you won’t feel pain at this time and it’s very easy to cause accidental injuries. If you experience any discomfort such as dizziness, palpitations or nausea during the anesthesia process, inform your doctor promptly. The doctor will handle the situation according to the circumstances.
Post-extraction Care for Wisdom Teeth
(1) Stopping bleeding at the wound site
After tooth extraction, the doctor will place cotton balls or gauze at the wound site for the patient to bite tightly to achieve the purpose of applying pressure to stop the bleeding. It usually needs to be bitten tightly for 30 to 40 minutes and then gently spat out. During this process, do not spit frequently or suck the wound forcefully, as this will create negative pressure in the mouth, causing the blood clot to fall off and leading to rebleeding. If there is a lot of bleeding after tooth extraction and fresh blood keeps flowing out of the mouth, you should return to the hospital in time and let the doctor handle it. On the way to the hospital, you can continue to bite a clean cotton ball or gauze and apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
(2) Cold compress and hot compress
Cold compress: As mentioned earlier, applying cold compress within 24 hours after tooth extraction can effectively reduce swelling and pain. When applying cold compresses, it is important to control the time and temperature properly to avoid frostbite to the skin. In addition to using ice packs, refrigerated wet towels can also be used as a substitute. The duration and frequency of cold compress can be adjusted appropriately according to the degree of swelling and pain, but it is important not to apply cold compress excessively, as this may affect the blood circulation of the wound and hinder healing.
Hot compress: 24 hours after tooth extraction, you can switch to hot compress. Hot compress can promote local blood circulation, accelerate the absorption of inflammation, and reduce swelling and pain. You can use a warm towel or hot water bag for hot compress. Each time, apply the heat for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. The temperature for hot compress should feel warm and comfortable. It should not be too hot to avoid scalding the skin.
(3) Dietary Precautions
On the day of tooth extraction: Do not eat within 2 hours after tooth extraction. After 2 hours, you can have some warm, cool and soft foods in moderation, such as cold milk, ice cream, cold porridge, etc. Avoid eating overly hot food, as hot food can cause blood vessels to dilate and increase the risk of bleeding. At the same time, it should be noted that the temperature of the food should not be too low to avoid irritating the wound and causing pain. When eating, try to chew with the opposite teeth to avoid squeezing and rubbing the wound.
One to two days after tooth extraction: At this time, the wound is still in the healing stage. The diet should mainly consist of soft and easily digestible foods, such as noodles, wontons, steamed eggs, etc. Avoid eating spicy, greasy and irritating foods, such as chili peppers, Sichuan pepper and fried foods, as these foods can irritate the wound, aggravate pain and swelling, and may also cause infection. At the same time, it is important to maintain a balanced diet. You can appropriately consume some foods rich in protein and vitamins, such as lean meat, fish, fresh vegetables and fruits, which can help promote wound healing.
Three to seven days after tooth extraction: As the wound gradually heals, you can gradually transition to a normal diet, but still avoid eating hard foods such as nuts and bones. When chewing food, be careful to move gently and avoid excessive force. At the same time, pay close attention to the healing of the wound. If any abnormal conditions such as increased pain, persistent swelling, or fever occur, seek medical attention promptly and adjust your diet according to the doctor’s advice.
(4) Oral hygiene maintenance
Within 24 hours after tooth extraction: Do not brush your teeth or rinse your mouth to avoid disrupting the blood clot and causing bleeding. However, after eating, you can gently rinse your mouth with clean water to remove food residues. When rinsing your mouth, be gentle and avoid straining your mouth.
Twenty-four hours after tooth extraction: You can start brushing your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, but avoid the wound area to prevent irritation and bleeding. At the same time, use mouthwash as advised by the doctor to keep your mouth clean. Mouthwash can reach every corner of the mouth, remove food residues and bacteria, and reduce the chance of infection. When using mouthwash, pay attention to the correct method. Hold an appropriate amount of mouthwash in your mouth, stir your cheeks to ensure the mouthwash fully contacts the oral mucosa and the surface of your teeth, and then spit it out.
During the wound healing period after tooth extraction: Special attention should be paid to oral hygiene. Develop the good habit of rinsing your mouth after meals and brushing your teeth in the morning and evening. When brushing your teeth, choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste. The bristles of the toothbrush should be soft to avoid damaging the wound. Toothpaste can be chosen from products with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. At the same time, avoid using toothpicks to pick your teeth to prevent pricking the wound, which may cause bleeding and infection.
(5) Pay attention to rest
After tooth extraction, the body needs time to recover, so it is necessary to ensure adequate sleep and avoid staying up late and overwork. Adequate rest can enhance the body’s immunity, promote wound healing, and alleviate pain and discomfort. When resting, you can raise your head appropriately. This helps reduce the blood flow back to your head and face and relieve swelling. At the same time, avoid intense exercises such as running, rope skipping, swimming, etc., as intense exercises may cause blood pressure to rise and lead to bleeding from the wound. Generally speaking, within 1 to 2 weeks after tooth extraction, it is necessary to avoid strenuous exercise. Only after the wound has completely healed can normal exercise be gradually resumed.
(6) Take medicine on time and attend follow-up appointments
Take painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs on time as instructed by the doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine or increase or decrease the dosage by yourself. Painkillers can be taken when the pain is obvious, but do not rely on them too much to avoid adverse reactions. Anti-inflammatory drugs help prevent infection and promote wound healing. During the medication process, if adverse reactions such as drug allergy occur, stop taking the medicine immediately and inform the doctor. In addition, it is necessary to attend follow-up appointments on time as arranged by the doctor. The doctor will check the healing of the wound to promptly identify and address any potential issues, such as infection and dry socket syndrome. When you have a follow-up visit, you should describe in detail to the doctor the symptoms and recovery situation after tooth extraction so that the doctor can make an accurate judgment and treatment.
Conclusion
Although having wisdom teeth extracted may cause some pain, as long as one makes adequate preparations, actively cooperates with the doctor during the extraction process, and strictly follows the doctor’s advice for postoperative care, the pain can be effectively alleviated and the smooth healing of the wound can be promoted. It is hoped that the above content can help everyone deal with the extraction of wisdom teeth more easily. If you have any questions or discomfort during the process of having your wisdom teeth extracted, be sure to consult a doctor in time and seek professional help.
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