Walking down the streets of London in one of those heavy winter-coats and an acute tooth ache, I entered the Dental Clinic. The day is still fresh in my mind when the Doctor had one look at my swollen gums and said with a smile, the good news is that you are getting wise after all. And the bad news is that your wisdom tooth has no space to get out. So a surgery is the only option left.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Surgery
It sounded serious and to top my nervousness I was booked in for a counseling session with one of the top surgeons. I was shown some horrifying teeth diagrams, with nerves all around, and was explained how they are all connected. I was asked to sign a consent form declaring that in the eventuality of one of the nerves getting cut, I could be left with facial paralysis. Freaking crazy, I ran for my life and halted only when I reached India to my relief.
The warm smiling face of Doctor Berani in Mumbai greeted me at his clinic. He put me at ease immediately and said there is no point in avoiding the tooth extraction surgery. I was explained it is only a simple procedure of removing the unwanted. Simple, well it sure did not sound like one.
Concerns Regarding Tooth Extraction Surgery
I shared my concerns over the tooth extraction complications to which the answer was – it is only too normal for the area to be tender for few days, that’s all. That did it. The doctor’s approach helped me gain confidence, even though I very well understood whether India or UK, risk factors remained similar. So I underwent my wisdom tooth extraction surgery.
Now being an experienced patient I would like to share the recovery and healing tips with all, to ease your tooth extraction journey.
Healing Tips From Dental Surgery Experience
- Healing of gum tissues will easily take 3 to 4 weeks time
- Keep the pain killers handy and take plenty of rest at home post surgery
- In-case of bleeding, keep the pressure with gauze pads
- Numbness will wear off, but if it prolongs, consult the doctor
- No rinsing of mouth the first day. Post that gentle rinsing with salt water 4 times a day
- No spicy or hot food or drinks in the first week post surgery
- Keep the food simple and easy to chew
- Strictly, no smoking and its is best to avoid alcohol
- Avoid brushing in the area of surgery
- In-case antibiotics are prescribed, kindly complete the course
- Eat cold stuff like, ice-creams and loads of it are welcome
- Follow up check ups with your dentist, it is a must
Even though my wisdom is permanently missing now, I know, I have been wise to undergo the wisdom tooth extraction surgery. The painless smile I flash now is certainly worth all the efforts, both, before and after the tooth extraction surgery.
So with my new found respect for dentists, I condole my just lost wisdom.
Keep Smiling, Raima (UK)