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What Are the Risks and Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal?

The third molars, or wisdom teeth holes heal, are the last teeth to grow in during adolescence, and there’s often not enough room in the jaw to comfortably support them all. As a result, nearly four out of every five wisdom teeth are removed because they aren’t likely to develop properly or cause pain and infections if they do. But what are the risks and benefits of removing wisdom teeth?

How Long Will My Wisdom Tooth Cavity Take to Heal?

The first question that comes to mind when considering whether or not to remove your wisdom teeth is probably, Will there be holes after I have my wisdom teeth removed? That is a good question, because you want to know just how much work will be required on your part. After all, you don't want holes in your mouth; they are gross and unattractive. But on top of that, knowing how long it will take for your cavity to heal is also important so you can plan ahead. You might think I'm going away for a week, or I'm off from work, but you still need to make arrangements for someone else to take care of you if that's what it takes.

Does Removing My Wisdom Teeth Prevent Cavities?

Wisdom teeth don’t always come in when we’re younger, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t cause problems later on. If your wisdom teeth are coming in late or have already come in, you might be wondering if you should have them removed. One concern is whether removing wisdom teeth can prevent cavities; that’s a good question! While there are no guarantees with dentistry, it is possible to reduce your risk of getting cavities by having your wisdom teeth removed before problems arise. For example, studies show that people who do not remove their wisdom teeth are three times more likely to develop periodontal disease than those who did.

How Do I Stop My Gums From Bleeding After Surgery?

There are a few things you can do to reduce bleeding after wisdom teeth removal surgery. First, keep your mouth as clean as possible—you'll have to floss every day to clear out bacteria that could otherwise cause a gum infection. Second, ask your dentist about using an antiseptic rinse immediately after surgery. Third, limit food intake—don't eat anything hard or sticky for three days after surgery; hard foods will put pressure on your sore gums and make them bleed more than soft foods. Fourth, take ibuprofen (600 milligrams) or acetaminophen (two 500-milligram tablets) when it's most painful—this could mean up to six times a day if you're feeling extra sore!

6 Tips for Swollen Gums After Dental Surgery

Swelling is common for up to three days after surgery. To prevent pain, use ice packs and apply an over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller as directed by your dentist. If you experience extreme swelling, see your dentist right away. Swollen gums can lead to other complications including severe pain, respiratory problems and nerve damage. If swelling isn’t treated immediately, it could delay healing or result in serious infection or other long-term health problems. In most cases, however, swollen gums heal on their own within a few weeks with treatment from your dentist.

When Can I Eat Soft Foods Post-Surgery?

After your wisdom teeth are removed, you’ll want to wait at least a few days before diving into any soft foods. This gives your mouth time to heal, reduces your risk for infection, and also decreases pain after surgery. You’ll probably experience some discomfort for one or two days after surgery. After that, you should be able to resume eating normal soft foods. For example, mashed potatoes are soft enough to eat post-surgery—just make sure they aren’t too hot! In addition to avoiding hot food, avoid chewing gum in order to prevent damaging newly exposed tissue in your mouth.

How Often Should I Brush after Wisdom Teeth Removal?

It’s natural to want to clean up your mouth after wisdom teeth are removed, but be careful not to overdo it. It can take four to six weeks for any swelling or discomfort in your mouth to go away completely, so you don’t want to try brushing too hard during that time. If you do accidentally brush too hard and make your gums bleed, rinse out your mouth with warm water, swish it around for about one minute, spit it out, then rinse again with cold water. After a few days of taking care with brushing and flossing (or using a Waterpik) if there is still bleeding or excessive redness in your gums, make an appointment with us. Bleeding and/or persistent redness means you probably had a deep pocket where your wisdom tooth was rooted; we recommend checking for signs of infection or disease, as well as making sure you keep that area as clean as possible so healing occurs properly. As long as everything seems normal, check back with us at regular intervals to ensure proper healing and prevent infection. Don’t forget—it’s important to watch what you eat while recovering from wisdom teeth removal!