Summary: Getting wisdom teeth removed while on your period can be challenging and uncomfortable. It is essential to understand how both procedures may individually affect your body and what steps you can take for comfortable recovery.
1. Understanding the Connection between Wisdom Teeth Removal and Menstruation
Many women worry about getting their wisdom teeth removed during their menstrual cycle. Menstruation can cause hormonal changes that may impact the recovery process. Additionally, a person’s menstrual cycle can make them feel more sensitive and vulnerable than usual. Therefore, it’s critical to know how your menstrual cycle and the extraction procedure correlate.
The good news is that your menstrual cycle is unlikely to interfere with your wisdom teeth removal surgery. In general, it is okay to still have the operation during in your period. Even if bleeding occurs after removing wisdom teeth, it is not from the uterus, but it is related to the healing process. Therefore, there is no need to reschedule your appointment if you are on your period. Your dental surgeon will provide you with additional instructions to prepare for surgery when you arrive.
It’s all right to prefer to delay the procedure till after the cycle. You may have experienced discomfort and irritability at this time of the month already. Scheduling surgery when you’re most comfortable might be preferable. However, note that delaying your extraction does not stop the eventual progression of your wisdom tooth problems.
2. Managing Pain and Discomfort during the Two Procedures
Having your wisdom teeth removed whilst on your period can add extra discomforts to an already uncomfortable situation. Women who experience periods generally have heightened sensitivity, and thus the experience may intensify the pain and bring about swelling. Proper nutrients play an important role in keeping discomfort away, and this includes food as well as supplements. Some things to consider incorporating into your diet are protein, calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin B6.
Bleeding is inevitable after wisdom teeth extraction procedure. When you’re on your period, it’s even more significant. But don’t be alarmed: bleeding is a common outcome following wisdom tooth removal surgery, and menstrual fluid will not interfere with the process. Excessive bleeding can be controlled using ice packs on the outside of your cheek or biting on gauze for several hours to reduce the bleeding. Apply a cold bag of peas to your cheeks to minimize swelling and reduce pain when necessary.
However, it would help if you avoid painkillers like aspirin during the procedure as it tends to cause blood thinning, and this could cause an increase in discharge during your period. Consult your dental surgeon to recommend other medication that can kill the pain and prevent excessive release of blood clotting agents.
3. The Differences or Complications between the Two Procedures
It is critical to be aware of the risks involved in both wisdom teeth removal and menstruation so that you can prepare accordingly. Delaying wisdom teeth extraction can cause issues such as gum infection, extreme pain, and difficulties in opening the mouth. In some situations, impacted wisdom teeth will need surgery to accomplish the removal efficiently, making the technique more challenging and invasive.
While wisdom tooth extraction may have temporary complications, there are no life-threatening problems to worry about. Conversely, menstruation might bring about possible infections, hemorrhage or other severe health situations if not handled appropriately. Ensure that you visit your gynecologist regularly, maintain proper hygiene levels and take steps to keep the stress levels low to avoid such complications.
The effectiveness of anesthesia can also be affected by menstruation. During this period, the sensitivity of the blood vessel walls increases. This process can contribute to an ineffective numbness level. Your dentist may choose to increase the dose of anesthesia if it is necessary.
4. Preparing for Both Procedures
Ensure that you notify your dental surgeon about your current menstrual cycle when scheduling wisdom teeth removal surgery. They will help you to determine the best time to schedule, considering your health status. Your surgeon might decide to reschedule to avoid issues that might make the process unbearable, depending on their policy.
If you have been experiencing painful menstruation, discussing this with your surgeon beforehand will provide them with the necessary information to prescribe medications that would keep you comfortable both during and after surgery. It is also advisable to use pads instead of tampons during the period as tampon usage increases the risk of infections.
Maintaining proper hygiene levels is essential when preparing for both procedures. When on your period, ensure that you change your pads regularly and avoid using harsh soaps or sprays that can alter the PH of the genital area. After the extraction procedure, rinse your mouth gently with warm saltwater every two hours to avoid creating a fertile ground for bacteria growth.
5. Recovery Period
The healing process following wisdom teeth removal varies depending on the individual. On average, it takes up to ten days for healing of extensive impacted removal. Having your wisdom teeth removed while on your period could cause longer recovery periods because the body’s sensitivity is heightened then. Additionally, it is advised to avoid smoking, alcohol consumption, and rigorous exercises for up to a week following surgery.
When on your period, monitor your discharge during the recovery period to avoid infections and maintain hygiene. Use sanitary pads, change them frequently and avoid using tampons. During this period, minimize physical activities that could result in an increase in the heart rate, therefore causing more pain. Stick to a soft diet such as soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, or applesauce for the first few days to avoid damaging the site of the surgery.
Ensure that you keep in touch with your dental surgeon during the recovery period. If you notice severe hemorrhaging, high fever, pus discharge from the wounded area, or feel an increase in pain even with medication, contact your surgeon immediately.
Conclusion:
Getting wisdom teeth removed while on your period can be challenging, but it does not have to be unbearable. In general, menstruation should not prevent you from having the procedure done. It is essential to communicate with your dental surgeon about your menstrual cycle and prepare adequately for both procedures. Pain management, nutrient intake, proper hygiene maintenance, and adherence to guidelines before, during, and after surgery are essential for comfortable recovery. If you experience any issues subsequent to the extraction, ascertain that you contact your dental surgeon immediately. Remember, the extraction process is a temporary discomfort, while delaying it can cause long term health implications that may be difficult to treat.