Home
Bupa members

Support and offers for individual members and customers

Wisdom teeth removal Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, June 2009.

Answers to questions about wisdom teeth removal

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

My dentist told me to use a mouthwash after eating - why?

Brushing your teeth after having your wisdom teeth removed can be difficult or uncomfortable. Your dentist or surgeon will give you advice on using mouthwashes and how to prepare a salt water mouthwash to keep your wounds clean.

Explanation

After your wisdom teeth removal, your dentist or surgeon will give you advice about how to keep the healing wounds clean. Where possible you should try to brush your teeth as usual but you may find that it's too sore to clean the teeth near your wounds. If this is the case, you can use mouthwashes.

Mouthwashes help to remove food debris and can help to soothe your wounds and prevent infection.

You can make a salt water mouthwash by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. A warm mouthwash will also increase the blood flow to your wounds which will help them to heal more quickly. Don't use very hot or cold water as this can make your wounds bleed.

Alternatively you can use a chlorhexidine mouthwash. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that also prevents plaque. Chlorhexidine can also reduce the chances of you developing dry socket.

Further information

Sources

  • Cowan P. Treatment of third molar teeth - surgery. J Ir Dent Assoc 2006; 51:221-225. www.dentist.ie
  • British National Formulary (BNF). BMJ Publishing Group, 2007. 54:586
back to top

What is dry socket?

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a condition caused by the breakdown or loss of the blood clot that forms in your tooth socket after you have had a tooth removed. The blood clot protects your socket and helps your wound to heal.

Explanation

Dry socket is a condition that can cause severe pain that isn't relieved by painkillers. It's caused by the breakdown of the blood clot in your tooth socket. Loss of this blood clot can lead to infection, nerve irritation and delays your healing.

Pain from dry socket usually begins about five days after having your wisdom tooth removed. If you think you have dry socket, you should visit your dentist immediately.

Your dentist will rinse out your empty socket and may then fill the socket with a combination of painkillers and antiseptics.

You may also be prescribed a course of antibiotics to prevent the socket from becoming infected. Always ask your doctor or dentist for advice and read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

After treatment for dry socket you should rest and it will usually heal within about 10 days.

Further information

Sources

  • Management of unerupted and impacted third molar teeth. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), 1999. SIGN Publication number 43. www.sign.ac.uk
  • Cowan P. Treatment of third molar teeth - surgery. J Ir Dent Assoc 2006; 51(4):221-225. www.dentist.ie
back to top

My wisdom teeth are causing me a lot of pain and I'm pregnant. Is it safe to have them taken them out?

Yes. Wisdom teeth removal is perfectly safe if you're pregnant. Your dentist or surgeon will discuss your options with you.

Explanation

Wisdom teeth removal is safe for pregnant women but some parts of the treatment may be changed to suit you. If you're pregnant, or think you may be, you should tell your dentist or surgeon.

The X-ray image you have taken before your teeth are removed is safe because the beam of X-rays doesn't go near your developing baby.

It's most likely that your dentist or surgeon will recommend you have a local anaesthetic. If needed, for example if your teeth will be difficult to extract, it may be possible to have a general anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic is preferred because general anaesthetics can affect your baby. A local anaesthetic completely blocks feeling from the area and you will stay awake during the procedure. A general anaesthetic means you will be asleep during the procedure.

If you need to take painkillers after your wisdom teeth have been taken out you, may be able to take paracetamol. Don't take ibuprofen or aspirin as these aren't recommended during pregnancy. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.

Certain antibiotics aren't recommended for pregnant women so you should tell your dentist or surgeon if you're pregnant, or you think you may be. Always ask your doctor, dentist or surgeon for advice and read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Pregnancy hormones make your gums much more likely to bleed. It's important that you keep your teeth and gums healthy - make sure you clean your teeth twice a day and use dental floss and mouthwash if you need to. NHS dental care is free during pregnancy and for one year after, so you should make an appointment to see your dentist.

Further information

Sources

  • X-rays - how safe are they? Health Protection Agency, 2001. www.hpa.org.uk
  • Arulkumaran S, Symonds IM, Fowlie A. Oxford Handbook of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004:353
  • British National Formulary (BNF). BMJ Publishing Group, 2007. 54:780, 790-791
  • Medical conditions and oral health. British Dental Health Foundation. www.dentalhealth.org.uk, accessed 19 March 2008
back to top

Related topics

back to top

This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: June 2009

Wisdom teeth removal factsheet

 

Rate this page

Up to £100 off a Bupa Health assessment

Bupa health insurance

Free online health check

Bupa Care Homes

Bupa travel cover