Myths About Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery Recovery
When wisdom teeth grow and your jaw does not have ample room for the larger molars, your dentist will usually recommend having the teeth removed. Wisdom teeth removal surgery is one of the most frequently performed oral surgeries, and recovery is not so bad. Nevertheless, you may run into a few myths as you get prepared for wisdom teeth removal.
Myth: Most people have to take several weeks off of work for recovery.
You may choose to take some time off of work or school for a few days, but most patients have no issue with returning to normal activities pretty quickly after the surgery. You may have a bit of swelling and some bruising after wisdom teeth removal. Therefore, some patients take do avoid work or school for up to a week. However, the general guideline is that you can resume normal activities the day after your surgery.
Myth: You won't be able to eat real food for a month.
You will be able to eat soft foods only after surgery. Applesauce, mashed potatoes, ice cream, soup, and jello are all good examples of foods you may want to have on hand for a few days. Normally, the dentist will tell you to avoid eating solids for just a few days after wisdom teeth removal. Therefore, you should have no issue with eating real, solid food relatively quickly after surgery.
Myth: Sometimes the surgeon leaves big pieces of the tooth behind.
Tiny fragments of tooth and bone can sometimes be left in the soft tissue after the surgery. It is actually really rare for there to be anything left other than tiny fragments. Usually, the dentist will use radiographic images to ensure they have removed all visible pieces of the teeth before they stitch the area closed. Occasionally, a tiny tooth fragment will be left, but these minuscule pieces naturally work their way out of the gums and do not generally cause any issues during recovery.
Myth: You will be in unbearable pain after surgery.
You may indeed be in some pain after you have your wisdom teeth removed. However, the anesthesia will keep you comfortable for most of the day after the surgery and the dentist will normally prescribe pain medication to help beyond that. Most people find that the toughest pain will be done within a few days after surgery, and some can get by just fine with over-the-counter pain medications.