OUCH
WISDOM TEETH!
Information about Wisdom Teeth at brisbane smile boutique dentists
At Brisbane Smile Boutique, we provide comprehensive dental advice and treatment, especially concerning wisdom teeth, which often pose unique challenges. Wisdom teeth, or the third set of molars, typically emerge behind the 12-year-old molars around the age of 17. However, their arrival can sometimes lead to dental issues, particularly if they become impacted or trapped in the jawbone or gum.
Common Issues with Wisdom Teeth:
1. Impaction: Wisdom teeth are prone to impaction, where they don't fully emerge or align properly, often due to lack of space in the jaw. This can lead to infection and other complications.
2. Inflammation and Pain: When the gum around an emerging wisdom tooth becomes inflamed, it can result in swelling, pain while biting, and intense discomfort in the area.
Immediate Steps for Managing Discomfort:
If you experience discomfort or pain due to your wisdom teeth, here are some immediate steps you can take:
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage the pain temporarily.
- Saltwater Rinse: Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day can help reduce swelling and fight infection.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Maintain a gentle yet thorough oral hygiene routine, ensuring you clean even the hard-to-reach areas around the wisdom teeth.
Professional Dental Advice and Treatment:
- Dental Consultation: It's crucial to see a dentist if you experience any issues with your wisdom teeth. At Brisbane Smile Boutique, our team can assess the condition of your wisdom teeth and recommend the best course of action.
- Treatment Options: Depending on the severity and the specific issues caused by your wisdom teeth, our dentists might recommend treatments ranging from antibiotics for infection to wisdom tooth extraction for more serious cases of impaction.
Remember, each individual's situation with wisdom teeth is unique. Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor their development and address any issues early. Our team at Brisbane Smile Boutique is committed to providing personalised and effective dental care to ensure your oral health and comfort.
What to do for wisdom tooth pain
If you're experiencing pain from your wisdom teeth, there are several steps you can take to alleviate discomfort while waiting for your dental appointment. Here’s a guide to managing wisdom teeth pain:
1. Book a Dental Appointment: It’s crucial to see a dentist for a proper assessment and treatment plan. Wisdom teeth issues can escalate, and professional advice is essential.
2. Warm Salt Water Rinses: Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle the solution around your mouth. This can help reduce swelling and disinfect the area around the wisdom teeth.
3. Mouthrinse: Consider using a Chlorhexidine-based mouthrinse like Curasept. These can help reduce bacteria and infection.
4. Maintain Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush thoroughly around the wisdom teeth. Good oral hygiene can prevent further infection and promote healing.
5. Use an Electric Toothbrush: An Oral B professional care electric toothbrush may provide a more thorough clean, especially in the hard-to-reach areas around wisdom teeth.
6. Over-the-Counter Anti-Inflammatories: If you have no allergies, asthma, or stomach problems, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and swelling. It’s important to ensure these do not interfere with other medications you might be taking. Always consult with your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist before starting any new medication.
Remember, while these measures can provide temporary relief, they are not substitutes for professional dental treatment. It’s important to follow up with your dentist to address the underlying issues with your wisdom teeth.
what is an opg x-ray
A full jaw x-ray, commonly known as an Orthopantomogram (OPG), is an invaluable diagnostic tool in dentistry. At Brisbane Smile Boutique, we utilise a digital OPG machine to obtain a comprehensive view of the entire jaw in a single image. Here's how an OPG is used and its significance in dental care:
How an OPG Works:
- An OPG is a panoramic scanning dental X-ray that captures the entire mouth in one image. It includes all the teeth of the upper and lower jaw, the jawbones, and surrounding structures.
- The digital OPG machine at Brisbane Smile Boutique uses advanced technology to rotate around the patient's head, capturing the full jaw image.
Uses of an OPG X-ray in Dentistry:
1. Wisdom Teeth Assessment: The OPG allows dentists and specialists to see the formation and position of the roots of the wisdom teeth. It's particularly useful for assessing impactions, where wisdom teeth are trapped in the jawbone or gum.
2. Bone and Nerve Analysis: The X-ray provides critical information about the relationship of the wisdom teeth to the jawbone and nerves. This is crucial for planning extractions or other surgical procedures to avoid nerve damage.
3. Magnification of Molar Areas: While the OPG offers magnification around the molar teeth, it’s important to note that this type of X-ray is not typically used for detecting small cavities. It’s more suited to identifying larger, obvious cavities and for evaluating overall tooth and bone structure.
4. General Dental Health: An OPG can be used to assess general dental health, identify jaw disorders, examine the growth of the jaw and teeth in children, and evaluate the progression of gum disease.
5. Orthodontic Planning: For orthodontic treatments, an OPG provides a clear overview of the teeth alignment and bone structure, aiding in effective treatment planning.
While an OPG is a highly useful diagnostic tool, it’s often used in conjunction with other dental X-rays or examinations for a more detailed assessment, especially when looking for small cavities or specific details in a certain area of the mouth. At Brisbane Smile Boutique, our dentists use the insights gained from OPG images to inform and enhance patient treatment plans, ensuring comprehensive and effective dental care.
Possible issues of wisdom teeth
Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth:
Wisdom teeth that have only partially emerged, remaining partly beneath the gum line and showing no signs of further eruption.
Impacted Teeth:
Wisdom teeth that are angled towards adjacent teeth or trapped beneath the gums may require extraction, particularly if they're causing dental issues.
Gum Infection:
Recurrent infections in the gums surrounding the wisdom teeth often necessitate their removal.
Post-Orthodontics:
Some orthodontists advise the removal of wisdom teeth to prevent them from exerting pressure on other teeth, which could lead to crowding. However, crowding may persist even after their removal in some cases.
unerupted Wisdom Teeth:
Teeth that remain fully embedded within the jawbone (unerupted) are sometimes recommended for removal to prevent potential infections. The extraction can be complex, especially if the inferior dental nerve, which lies close to the roots of the wisdom teeth and affects the lower lip and front teeth, is involved. This consideration is particularly significant for patients who have undergone orthodontic treatment for crowding.
Possible issues that can occur with wisdom teeth
At Brisbane Smile Boutique, we offer professional dental advice regarding wisdom teeth and the potential complications that can arise if they are left untreated. Here are some scenarios that can occur:
1. Development of Cysts:Though rare, cysts can form around wisdom teeth that remain embedded under the gum and bone. These cysts can lead to more serious oral health issues if not addressed.
2. Pericoronitis: This is a common condition where debris gets trapped between the wisdom tooth and the gum, leading to painful inflammation known as pericoronitis. If this occurs repeatedly, it may be necessary to consider the removal of the wisdom teeth to prevent further episodes.
3. Severe Infections: In rare cases, untreated wisdom teeth can lead to severe infections that may require hospitalisation and even intensive care. Such infections can be serious and should be treated as soon as possible.
Given these potential risks, it’s important to regularly consult with your dentist for advice and management of your wisdom teeth. At Brisbane Smile Boutique, we emphasise the importance of timely dental care to address any issues related to wisdom teeth and to prevent complications. If you’re experiencing discomfort or have concerns about your wisdom teeth, we encourage you to seek professional dental advice to ensure your oral health is maintained.
do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Determining whether wisdom teeth need to be removed depends on several factors related to their position, the available space in the mouth, and overall oral health.
Here's some guidance on this:
1. Sufficient Space and Correct Angle: If your wisdom teeth have enough room to emerge and have come through at the correct angle without leaning towards the adjacent teeth, they can typically remain in place.
2. Risk of Decay: Often, people experience decay in their wisdom teeth due to difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene around these hard-to-reach areas. Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor for decay.
3. Functionality: Wisdom teeth are not essential for the functional use of the jaws and teeth. Their removal doesn't typically impact oral function.
4. Gum Disease or Tooth Decay: If there's evidence of gum disease or decay associated with your wisdom teeth, removal might be the best course of action. These conditions can lead to more serious dental problems if left untreated.
5. Inadequate Space for Eruption: In cases where there is insufficient space in the jaw for wisdom teeth to emerge properly, they are likely to become impacted or cause crowding. This usually necessitates their removal to prevent future dental issues.
Each case is unique, and the decision to remove wisdom teeth should be made in consultation with a dental professional. At Brisbane Smile Boutique, we evaluate each patient’s specific situation, considering factors like the alignment of the wisdom teeth, the health of the surrounding gums and teeth, and the patient's overall oral hygiene. This personalised approach ensures the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual's needs.
In Australia, dentists typically use a numbering system to name and identify teeth, including wisdom teeth. In this system, wisdom teeth are referred to as the 8th teeth in each quadrant of the mouth.
Here's how they are numbered:
1. Upper Right Wisdom Tooth: The wisdom tooth in the upper right quadrant of the mouth is designated as tooth number 18.
2. Upper Left Wisdom Tooth: The wisdom tooth in the upper left quadrant is known as tooth number 28.
3. Lower Left Wisdom Tooth: The wisdom tooth in the lower left quadrant is referred to as tooth number 38.
4. Lower Right Wisdom Tooth: The wisdom tooth in the lower right quadrant is called tooth number 48.
This numbering system is part of the universal tooth numbering system that dentists use to identify specific teeth for diagnostic and treatment purposes. It helps in maintaining clarity and consistency in dental records and communication among dental professionals.
Options for removal of wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that can be performed by both dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The process for removing wisdom teeth, particularly when consulting with an oral surgeon, typically involves a few key steps:
1. Referral: In cases where the extraction might be complex or if there are potential risks involved, a dentist may refer a patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. These specialists have extensive training in complex tooth extractions, including impacted wisdom teeth.
2. OPG X-ray: Before removing wisdom teeth, an Orthopantomogram (OPG) x-ray is usually required. This panoramic x-ray provides a comprehensive view of the entire jaw, including the position and condition of the wisdom teeth, the surrounding bone, and the proximity to nerves and other structures. This information is crucial for planning a safe and effective extraction.
3. Assessment and Planning: Based on the OPG x-ray and a clinical examination, the oral surgeon or dentist will assess the best approach for extraction. They will consider factors such as the angle of the teeth, the level of impaction, and the patient's overall oral health.
4. Procedure: The actual removal of wisdom teeth can vary from a straightforward extraction to a more complex surgical procedure, depending on the position and development of the teeth.
5. Aftercare: Post-extraction, patients are given specific instructions for aftercare to ensure proper healing and to minimise the risk of complications such as infection or dry socket.
At Brisbane Smile Boutique, we ensure that our patients are well-informed and comfortable with the process of wisdom teeth removal. Whether the procedure is performed by one of our skilled dentists or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, patient safety and comfort are our top priorities.
How dentists assess wisdom teeth
When checking for wisdom teeth, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination to assess their position and condition. Here’s how this process typically works:
1. Oral Examination: Initially, your dentist will visually examine your mouth to assess the wisdom teeth that have emerged. This includes checking for any signs of infection, inflammation, or issues with alignment.
2. OPG X-ray for Hidden Teeth: If your wisdom teeth are still under the gums and not visible, your dentist will likely recommend an Orthopantomogram (OPG) x-ray. This panoramic x-ray is crucial for viewing wisdom teeth that are still embedded in the gum and bone.
3. Detailed Analysis: The OPG x-ray provides detailed insights into the position of the wisdom teeth, the shape of their roots, and their proximity to important facial structures like nerves. This information is vital, especially if the wisdom teeth are impacted or pose a risk to your oral health.
4. Planning for Removal: If the decision is made to remove your wisdom teeth, an OPG x-ray is essential for correct assessment and planning. It helps the dentist or oral surgeon to strategise the best approach for extraction, minimising risks and ensuring the safety of surrounding structures.
5. Regular Monitoring: Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing immediate problems, regular check-ups and x-rays may be recommended to monitor their progress, as issues can develop over time.
At Brisbane Smile Boutique, we understand the importance of comprehensive assessment and planning, especially when it comes to wisdom teeth. Our goal is to ensure that our patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for their individual needs.
Can wisdom teeth cause misalignment of other teeth?
The relationship between wisdom teeth and crooked teeth is a topic of ongoing debate in dentistry. While some believe that the eruption and movement of wisdom teeth can exert pressure on other teeth, potentially leading to misalignment or crowding, this theory isn't universally accepted. Key points include:
1. Possible Pressure: As wisdom teeth emerge, they can sometimes create pressure in the mouth. This could theoretically lead to shifting of other teeth, particularly in cases where there's inadequate space in the jaw.
2. Uncertain Causation: Dentists are not unanimously agreed on whether the pressure from wisdom teeth is a direct cause of crooked teeth. This uncertainty arises because tooth crowding can occur even in the absence of wisdom teeth.
3. Other Factors in Crowding: Many people experience crowding of their teeth irrespective of whether they have wisdom teeth. Factors such as natural growth changes, genetic predisposition, and the loss of the primary (baby) teeth's guiding influence can contribute to changes in dental alignment over time.
4. Individual Variability: Each individual’s dental condition is unique. While some may experience changes in alignment with the emergence of wisdom teeth, others may not notice any impact.
While wisdom teeth might contribute to changes in dental alignment for some individuals, they are not universally accepted as the sole cause of crooked teeth. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor the development of wisdom teeth and address any orthodontic concerns early.
How to best clean wisdom teeth
Maintaining good oral hygiene is particularly important when wisdom teeth start to emerge. Here's how to ensure effective cleaning of wisdom teeth:
1. Regular Brushing: As your wisdom teeth move through the gums, it's crucial to brush them regularly, just like the rest of your teeth. This helps to remove plaque and food particles that can accumulate around these new teeth.
2. Special Attention to Wisdom Teeth: Pay extra attention to your wisdom teeth during brushing. Because they are located at the back of your mouth, they can be more challenging to clean.
3. Use of Small-Headed Toothbrush: A small-headed toothbrush can be more effective in reaching and cleaning around wisdom teeth. Its size allows better access to the back of your mouth.
4. Electric Toothbrush: An electric toothbrush can be particularly helpful for cleaning wisdom teeth. It often provides better plaque removal through its oscillating or vibrating bristle action.
5. Technique for Better Access:Slightly closing your mouth while brushing can create more space at the back of your mouth, making it easier to reach your wisdom teeth.
6. Awareness of Pericoronitis: Be aware of pericoronitis, which is inflammation of the gum tissue around partially emerged wisdom teeth. Keeping the area clean is key to preventing this condition.
Regular and thorough cleaning of wisdom teeth is essential to prevent potential dental issues, such as gum inflammation or decay. If you have any concerns or difficulties in cleaning your wisdom teeth, it's advisable to consult with your dentist for personalised advice and techniques.
Mouth Rinses for wisdom teeth infections
When dealing with inflammation or infection around wisdom teeth, using specific types of mouthrinse can be an effective adjunct to your oral hygiene routine. Here's some information on how to use mouthrinse for managing wisdom teeth issues:
1. Warm Salt Water Rinses: For mild gum inflammation around wisdom teeth, frequent rinses with warm salt water can be soothing and help reduce inflammation. The saltwater acts as a natural disinfectant, helping to cleanse the area. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gently swish it around your mouth, focusing on the affected area.
2. Mouthwash for Inflamed Gums: If the gum around a partially erupted wisdom tooth is inflamed, an over-the-counter mouthwash can be beneficial. It's important to keep the area under any gum flap clean and free from food debris to prevent further irritation or infection.
3. Antimicrobial Mouthwash for Infections: In cases where there is a more significant infection in the gum, your dentist may recommend an antimicrobial mouthwash. This type of mouthwash is designed to reduce the bacteria in the mouth and help keep the affected area clean.
4. Chlorhexidine Mouth Rinse: A Chlorhexidine-based mouth rinse, such as Curasept 0.20%, can be particularly effective for managing gum infections around wisdom teeth. It is often recommended for its anti-staining and alcohol-free properties. However, it's typically advised for short-term use due to potential side effects like staining of teeth or altered taste with long-term use.
5. Consultation with a Dentist: It's always best to consult with your dentist before starting any new oral hygiene product, especially if you are experiencing pain or signs of infection. They can provide tailored advice and may prescribe a specific type of mouthwash based on your individual needs and the condition of your wisdom teeth.
Remember, while mouthrinses can be helpful in managing gum inflammation and infections around wisdom teeth, they should be used in conjunction with regular oral hygiene practices, including thorough brushing and flossing.
About impacted wisdom teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are a common dental issue faced by many people. Unlike other teeth, wisdom teeth often struggle to emerge properly into the mouth due to a lack of space in the jaw.
Understanding Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
1. Lack of Space: In many cases, there isn't enough room in a person's jaw for wisdom teeth to fully emerge, leading to impaction.
2. Partial Eruption: Impacted wisdom teeth may partially break through the gum. This partial eruption often leaves a portion of the tooth visible while the rest remains underneath the gum.
3. Angled Growth: Sometimes, a wisdom tooth may grow at an angle, colliding with the adjacent tooth. This angled growth can prevent the wisdom tooth from properly emerging.
Problems Associated with Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
- Infection: The area around an impacted wisdom tooth can become prone to infection, leading to pain and swelling.
- Cysts Formation: Cysts can develop around the impacted tooth, potentially damaging the jawbone or neighbouring teeth.
- Ulcers: Partially erupted teeth can cause ulcers or irritation on the surrounding gum tissue.
- Food Trapping: Food particles can get trapped around an impacted tooth, increasing the risk of decay for both the wisdom tooth and adjacent teeth.
- Pain and Discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant pain and discomfort, especially if they lead to infection or damage other teeth.
Treatment for Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
- If impacted wisdom teeth are causing problems, your dentist may recommend their removal. This decision is usually based on the severity of symptoms and potential risks to oral health.
- Removal of impacted wisdom teeth is a common procedure and can provide relief from pain and prevent further dental complications.
At Brisbane Smile Boutique, we assess each case of impacted wisdom teeth carefully. If removal is necessary, we ensure our patients are informed about the procedure and comfortable with the treatment plan. Regular dental check-ups are essential in monitoring the development of wisdom teeth and addressing any issues promptly.
Reasons why wisdom teeth are removed
There are several reasons why wisdom teeth might need to be removed, and this decision is typically based on preventing potential oral health issues or addressing existing problems. Here are some common reasons for the removal of wisdom teeth:
1. Impaction: When wisdom teeth are unable to emerge fully into the mouth due to lack of space or incorrect positioning, they become impacted. This can lead to pain, infection, and other dental issues.
2. Risk of Tooth Decay or Gum Disease: Wisdom teeth, particularly when partially erupted or impacted, are hard to clean thoroughly. This can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
3. Recurrent Infections: If the gum around a wisdom tooth becomes infected multiple times (a condition known as pericoronitis), removal may be necessary to prevent further infections and complications.
4. Presence of a Cyst: Cysts can form around the impacted wisdom tooth, potentially causing damage to the jawbone, teeth, and nerves.
Options for Wisdom Teeth Removal:
- Dentist or Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon: Wisdom teeth can be removed by either your general dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Location of Procedure: The removal can be done in a dental office or, for more complex cases, in a hospital setting.
- Anaesthesia Options: The procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the area around the wisdom teeth. For patient comfort, especially in cases of anxiety or more complex extractions, conscious sedation options like nitrous oxide (happy gas) may be used. In some cases, particularly when multiple wisdom teeth are removed at once, general anaesthesia might be recommended.
At Brisbane Smile Boutique, we carefully assess each patient’s individual situation to determine the best course of action for wisdom teeth removal. We ensure that our patients are fully informed about their options and comfortable with the chosen method of anesthesia and the setting of the procedure. Our goal is to provide safe, effective, and comfortable dental care tailored to each patient's needs.
Risks of removing wisdom teeth
Removing wisdom teeth, like any surgical procedure, carries potential risks and complications. It's important for patients to be aware of these possibilities so they can make informed decisions about their dental care. Here are some potential risks and complications associated with wisdom tooth extraction:
1. Nerve Damage: There's a risk of damage to the nerves that provide sensation to the wisdom teeth and nearby areas of the face. This can result in paraesthesia, a condition characterized by numbness or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the lower lip, lower jaw, cheek, or tongue.
2. Dry Socket: A dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, is a painful condition that can occur when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged or dissolves before the wound has healed, exposing the underlying bone.
3. Swelling and/or Infection: Post-operative swelling is common, but in some cases, an infection may develop in the area of the removed tooth.
4. Damage to Adjacent Teeth: There's a small risk of damage to nearby teeth or dental work, such as crowns or fillings, during the extraction process.
5. Limited Mouth Opening: Some patients may experience trismus, or difficulty in opening the mouth, which is usually due to swelling or muscle spasm after the surgery.
6. Excessive Bleeding: While some bleeding is normal after extraction, excessive bleeding may occur in rare cases.
7. Pain: Pain and discomfort are expected after the extraction, but severe pain may indicate complications like dry socket or infection.
8. Sinus Opening: For upper wisdom teeth, there's a rare risk of creating an opening into the maxillary sinus. This complication may require additional treatment to resolve.
At Brisbane Smile Boutique, we take all necessary precautions to minimise these risks and ensure the safest possible procedure for our patients. We provide comprehensive post-operative care instructions and support to manage and reduce the likelihood of complications. If you have concerns or experience any issues following your wisdom tooth extraction, we encourage prompt communication with our dental team.
Timing for wisdom teeth removal
The timing for removing wisdom teeth can vary depending on individual circumstances, but generally, there is consensus among dental professionals on the ideal age range for extraction. Here's the current perspective on the best age for wisdom teeth removal:
Optimal Age for Removal:
- The removal of problematic wisdom teeth is often recommended by around the age of 25. This age range is considered optimal for several reasons:
- Easier Recovery: Younger patients tend to recover more quickly from surgeries, including wisdom tooth extractions.
- Root Development: By this age, the roots of the wisdom teeth are usually fully developed, but not as firmly anchored as they would be in older patients, making the extraction process less complicated.
- Reduced Risk of Complications: Removing wisdom teeth at a younger age can help prevent the complications that might arise if they are left in place, such as impaction, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth.
personalised Dental Advice:
- If you are experiencing issues or discomfort related to your wisdom teeth, it's important to consult with your dentist. They can assess your specific situation and provide personalised advice based on factors such as the positioning of your wisdom teeth, your oral health, and any symptoms you're experiencing.
- Your dentist may recommend an x-ray, such as an OPG, to evaluate the position and condition of your wisdom teeth and make an informed decision on whether and when to proceed with extraction.
At Brisbane Smile Boutique, we emphasise the importance of individual assessment for wisdom teeth removal. We ensure our patients are fully informed about their options and the recommended timing for extraction, taking into account their overall oral health and specific dental needs.
RECOVERY TIME AFTER WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL
Recovery time after wisdom teeth removal can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the extraction and the individual's overall health. Here's some current information regarding the recovery period:
1. Time Off Work: Depending on the difficulty of the extraction, it might be necessary to take a few days off work. This is particularly true if the wisdom teeth were impacted or if the surgery was extensive.
2. Post-General Anaesthesia Care: If the extraction is done under general anaesthesia, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 48 hours afterward. This precaution is necessary due to the lingering effects of anesthesia.
3. Avoiding Strenuous Exercise: It is advisable to avoid strenuous physical activity for a few days following the extraction. Vigorous exercise can increase blood pressure and may lead to bleeding from the extraction sites.
4. Initial Recovery Phase: The first 24 to 48 hours after surgery are typically the most crucial for recovery. During this time, it's important to rest and follow your dentist's or oral surgeon's post-operative care instructions carefully.
5. Pain Management: Some pain, swelling, and discomfort are normal after wisdom teeth removal. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers.
6. Eating Habits: You should stick to soft foods and avoid hot beverages and spicy foods for the first few days. Also, avoid using a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket, a condition known as dry socket.
7. Oral Hygiene: Gentle oral hygiene is important after surgery. You may be advised to gently rinse with salt water or a prescribed mouthwash to keep the area clean.
8. Follow-up Appointment: A follow-up appointment is often scheduled to ensure proper healing and to remove any stitches if they were placed and are not self-dissolving.
At Brisbane Smile Boutique, we provide detailed post-operative care instructions to our patients and are available to answer any questions or concerns they may have during their recovery. It's important to follow these instructions closely to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.