Wisdom Tooth Removal Melbourne
5 things to know before getting your wisdom teeth removed
- Author: Oral & Facial Surgery Specialists
- First published:
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Wisdom Tooth Removal Melbourne
1. Not all procedures are the same
Dr Felix Sim
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon Melbourne
2. You might not need all four removed
A lot of people think you always have to get all four wisdom teeth out but that’s not always the case.
At Oral & Facial Surgery Specialists in Melbourne, we assess each tooth individually. If only one or two are likely to cause problems, then only those will be removed. Our goal is to minimise the surgery while keeping your mouth healthy.
Dr Felix Sim
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon Melbourne
3. Plan for some downtime
No matter how healthy or fit you are, your body will need some recovery time after wisdom tooth removal. If you’re just having one tooth out, you might only need 2–3 days to bounce back. But if all four are coming out, we usually suggest taking up to a week off work, uni, or any major commitments.
Every person is different, and your recovery time can also depend on the type of surgery and the nature of your job. If you have a physically demanding job, you may need a bit longer to rest up.
Dr Felix Sim
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon Melbourne
4. Soft foods will be your best friend
Before your surgery, stock up on soft, easy-to-eat foods. Think mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, yoghurt, jelly, and soups. You’ll need nutritious options that don’t require too much chewing.
Try to include good sources of protein like cheese, fish, or tofu along with carbohydrates like rice, lentils, or beans to help your body heal faster. For the first few days, you’ll want to avoid anything crunchy, spicy, or too hot.
Eating soft, nourishing foods is one of the best things you can do for an easy recovery after wisdom tooth removal.Â
Dr Felix Sim
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon Melbourne
Also, avoid smoking and don’t rinse your mouth too hard for the first few days — it can stop the blood clot from forming properly and cause dry socket, which is when the bone underneath gets exposed and can be very painful.
5. Swelling and bruising are normal
Don’t worry too much if your face swells up a bit after surgery; it’s completely normal. Swelling usually peaks around day two or three post-surgery and should start going down by day five or six. Some people even experience bruising, especially around the cheeks and jaw.
Applying ice packs during the first couple of days will help keep swelling to a minimum. It’s also normal to have a bit of jaw stiffness and find it harder to open your mouth fully for a few days.
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Extra tip: follow your post-op instructions carefully
After your wisdom tooth removal surgery, you’ll get detailed written and video instructions from us to guide you through recovery. Make sure you follow them closely: This really makes a difference in how fast and well you heal. And if anything feels off, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Need advice on wisdom tooth removal in Melbourne?
At Oral & Facial Surgery Specialists in Melbourne, we’re here to make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you just need one wisdom tooth out or all four, we’ll work out the best plan for you.
