Wisdom Teeth Removal
Intro:
Playing sports after wisdom teeth removal may seem like an easy return to normalcy for many athletes, but it can pose serious health risks. While eager to return to the field or court, athletes who resume physical activity too soon risk complications such as dry sockets, prolonged bleeding, or infection. Understanding the potential dangers and following proper recovery protocols is crucial to avoid setbacks and ensure long-term well-being. In this article, we explore why it is imperative to give your body time to fully heal after wisdom teeth extraction instead of immediately jumping back into high-intensity sports.
What happens when you perform after surgery?
The most common issue is a dry socket, a painful condition where the blood clot protecting the extraction site becomes dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves. This can cause severe pain and delay the healing process. Increased physical activity can also result in excessive bleeding or swelling at the surgical site, and the risk of infection may rise as well. Additionally, high-intensity movements or contact sports can worsen discomfort and prolong recovery, making it essential to rest and follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions.
Do’s:
So what can you do to properly recover?
Take Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to help with pain
Eat soft or liquid food until you can chew more comfortably
Keep the wound clean by rinsing gently with mouthwash or warm salt water
Clean your other teeth carefully, avoiding the affected area so you do not damage your stitches or the blood clot over the wound
If you the wound begins to bleed, apply pressure to the area for at least 10 minutes with a clean cloth or piece of cotton wool
Don’t:
Other than avoiding high-intensity sports, make sure to also avoid these irritants.
Do not drive for 48 hours after a general anesthetic, or for 24 hours after a sedative injection
Do not eat hard or crunchy food, or food that could get stuck in the wound such as nuts or seeds
Do not smoke – smoking can increase the risk of infection
Do not drink alcohol or hot drinks in order to reduce the risk of bleeding or scalding
Recommendations for athletes :
Rest for at least 3-7 days post-surgery, as recommended by your oral surgeon or dentist.
Avoid strenuous exercise or contact sports during the first week, as your body is still in the critical stages of healing.
Focus on gentle activities such as walking, but avoid bending over or rapid movements that could increase facial pressure.
Make sure to stay hydrated and avoid any alcohol, smoking, or sucking motions (like using a straw) that could dislodge the blood clot.
Benefits of removing wisdom teeth early:
Although its tempting for athletes to avoid getting their wisdom teeth pulled to stay dedicated to their sport, there are many benefits to removing them early.
1. Prevents Future Problems
By removing wisdom teeth early, often in the late teens or early twenties, you can prevent potential problems such as impaction. Impaction occurs when the teeth are trapped beneath the gum or grow in the wrong direction. Early removal reduces the risk of crowding or damage to nearby teeth, which can occur if the wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to grow properly.
2. Easier Recovery
Younger individuals tend to heal faster and experience fewer complications after surgery. Bone density is lower in teens and young adults, making the extraction easier and less invasive. As people age, their bones harden, making the procedure more difficult and recovery longer.
3. Avoids Infections and Gum Disease
When wisdom teeth are partially erupted, they can create pockets in the gum where bacteria can accumulate, leading to infections or gum disease (pericoronitis). Early removal minimizes the risk of these infections, which are more common when wisdom teeth are left untreated.
4. Prevents Cysts and Tumors
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts or tumors, which may damage the jawbone and surrounding structures. Removing them early can prevent these more serious issues from developing.
5. Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay
Wisdom teeth are often difficult to clean properly due to their location at the back of the mouth. Early removal reduces the risk of tooth decay and cavities that can affect not only the wisdom teeth, but also adjacent molars.
6. Minimizes Discomfort
Wisdom teeth can cause pain as they emerge, particularly if impacted or misaligned. Removing them early can prevent chronic pain or discomfort associated with pressure on the surrounding teeth and gums.
7. Prevents Orthodontic Issues
Wisdom teeth can disrupt alignment achieved by braces or orthodontic work. By removing them early, patients can avoid future orthodontic issues or the need for additional corrective procedures.
Conclusion:
Overall, while it might be tempting to return to your athletic routine after wisdom teeth removal, doing so too soon can cause complications like dry sockets, bleeding, and infections. Following proper recovery protocols will help ensure that you heal properly and are able to return to sports without unnecessary delays or complications.
Sources cited:
NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/wisdom-tooth-removal/#:~:text=Recovering%20from%20wisdom%20tooth%20removal&text=you’ll%20usually%20have%20some,find%20chewing%20and%20swallowing%20uncomfortable. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.
Opro. “How the Discipline You Learn in Sport Benefits Your Life.” Opro, OPRO, 18 Nov. 2019, www.opro.com/news/post/how-the-discipline-you-learn-in-sport-benefits-your-life.
“Everything You Need to Know about Wisdom Teeth Removal.” What To Know About Wisdom Teeth Removal | Waterways Dental, www.waterwaysdental.com.au/blog/know-wisdom-teeth-removal/34367. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.
“What to Expect When Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed.” Blog, www.rexburgappletreedental.com/blog/what-to-expect-when-getting-wisdom-teeth-removed. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.