Cheek Stitched To Gum After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Introduction
Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to emerge in the back of the mouth, usually in the late teenage years to early twenties. Often, there is not enough space in the mouth to accommodate them, causing pain, infection, and other dental problems. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure to prevent these problems. However, in some cases, the cheek may get stitched to the gum after wisdom teeth removal, causing discomfort and difficulty in opening the mouth.
Causes
The cheek getting stitched to the gum after wisdom teeth removal can happen due to various reasons, such as:
- The surgeon accidentally stitching the cheek to the gum during the procedure.
- The cheek getting trapped between the teeth and the gum during the extraction.
- The cheek getting swollen after the surgery, causing it to stick to the gum tissue.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cheek stitched to gum after wisdom teeth removal include:
- Pain and discomfort in the affected area.
- Inability to open the mouth wide.
- Difficulty in chewing and speaking.
- Swelling and redness in the area.
- Bleeding or discharge from the wound.
Treatment
If you experience cheek stitched to gum after wisdom teeth removal, it is important to seek treatment from your dentist or oral surgeon. The treatment options may include:
- Applying warm compresses to the affected area to reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Taking pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed by your dentist or doctor.
- Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to keep the wound clean and reduce the risk of infection.
- Using a mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine to prevent infection.
- Avoiding hard and crunchy foods that may irritate the wound.
- Following a soft food diet until the wound heals.
- Keeping the wound clean and dry to prevent infection.
Prevention
Although cheek stitched to gum after wisdom teeth removal may happen due to various reasons, there are some preventive measures you can take to reduce the risk of this complication, such as:
- Choosing an experienced and qualified oral surgeon to perform the procedure.
- Following the post-operative instructions provided by your dentist or surgeon.
- Avoiding smoking and using tobacco products, as they can delay the healing process.
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, as they can increase swelling and bleeding.
- Keeping your mouth clean and healthy before and after the surgery.
Conclusion
Cheek stitched to gum after wisdom teeth removal is a rare but possible complication of the procedure. If you experience this symptom, it is important to seek treatment from your dentist or oral surgeon to prevent further complications. By following preventive measures and post-operative instructions, you can reduce the risk of this complication and promote a smooth and comfortable recovery.