After wisdom teeth removal, many people are curious if they can drive. Truthfully, it depends on the exact procedures done before and during your surgery. If a wisdom tooth removal is performed only with a local anesthetic, the answer is yes – you can drive after wisdom tooth removal since only your mouth is affected by the surgery. However, many other procedures, such as anesthesia and sedation, which are done alongside wisdom teeth extraction, can prevent you from doing so. Therefore, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully and avoid any activities that could cause injury. This article covers other factors you should be aware of during wisdom teeth removal, as well as tips to make your recovery as painless as possible.
Why is Driving Safe After a Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is typically done using a local anesthetic so you can stay awake throughout the procedure. The anesthetic numbs your mouth and prevents any pain or discomfort during the surgery. This is actually the same anesthetic used for many other dental procedures, such as fillings for cavities. Since you can remain conscious and alert during a wisdom tooth removal, it is safe to drive afterward.
There are some cases where a patient may be unable to drive, for example, when they receive general anesthesia or sedation. This can occur if the wisdom tooth removal is more complicated than expected or if the patient has a fear of dental procedures. These are the exact same anesthesia and sedation techniques for many other common dental procedures. These can induce a drowsy feeling and can make it unsafe to drive.
Another possible scenario for when a patient should not drive is if they take painkillers after the wisdom tooth removal to relieve any discomfort. Depending on the strength of the painkiller, it can cause drowsiness and impair judgment. Taking these can make it unsafe to drive, so it is important to check with your dentist before taking any medication.
For those who are extremely worried about driving after a wisdom tooth removal, it can be helpful to have someone else drive you home from the dentist. This can give you peace of mind and ensure your safety on the road. If a dentist predicts that your treatment may impair your ability to drive, they will let you know in advance so that you can make the necessary arrangements.
More Tips for Recovering After Wisdom Teeth Removal
In addition to not driving if you are feeling drowsy or taking painkillers, there are some other tips to keep in mind during your recovery.
Not Drinking Through a Straw
For the first 24 hours, you should avoid drinking through a straw after wisdom tooth extraction. This is primarily because constant suction might dislodge the blood clot that forms at the extraction site. If this happens, you may develop a painful condition called a dry socket.
Not Swishing Hard After Brushing Teeth
When brushing your teeth, avoid swishing the water around too vigorously in your mouth. This can also cause the blood clot to dislodge, leading to a dry socket. Instead of swishing violently, try gently swishing the water and then allowing it to drip out of your mouth for the first few days.
Not Smoking or Vaping
A number of research studies have established a connection between smoking/vaping and the development of dry sockets. Smoking dries out your mouth, making it more difficult to heal any type of sore, surgery, or infection after removal. Additionally, the sucking motion may induce a blood clot to break loose. If you smoke cigarettes, try to give them up for at least 2-3 days following dental surgery.
Not Planning Heavy Exercise
Exercise is great for your overall health, but it’s best to avoid anything too strenuous immediately following dental surgery. By undergoing intense exercise after a tooth extraction you increase your blood pressure and heart rate which increases the risk of dislodging the blood clot and wisdom tooth’s stitches. If you must exercise, try to stick to light cardio or yoga.
Get Lots of Sleep
Getting wisdom teeth removal is just like any other surgery. Your body can benefit from rest while it heals, so make sure you get enough sleep. This typically means 7-9 hours a night.
Eat Healthy Food Options
Similar to our reasoning for getting lots of sleep, eating a well-balanced diet can also help your body heal faster. Eating healthy can provide essential nutrients to the body that can aid in the healing process.
Take Steps to Manage Pain
If you are in pain after your wisdom teeth removal, there are a few steps you can take to alleviate it. First, try using an ice pack on the area of your mouth that is in pain can help reduce swelling and numb any discomfort. Additionally, taking ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help with both pain and inflammation, or your dentist can provide you with a prescription for stronger painkillers (typically Tylenol-3).
Conclusion
In conclusion, can you drive after wisdom teeth removal? Yes, it is safe to drive after wisdom teeth removal as long as you feel alert and can operate your vehicle safely. However, there are certain scenarios where driving can be unsafe, such as if the patient has taken strong painkillers or was put under general anesthesia. In these cases, it can be beneficial to have someone else drive you home from the dentist to ensure your safety on the road. If you are ever in doubt, check with your dentist to make sure that it is safe for you to drive.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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