Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a significant oral surgery procedure. Your overall health plays a crucial role in how your body responds to the surgery and the healing process afterward. Therefore, the short answer is: generally, no, you shouldn't get your wisdom teeth removed while sick. Let's delve deeper into why.
Why Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed While Sick is Risky
Several reasons make getting wisdom teeth extracted while unwell a bad idea:
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Increased risk of complications: When your body is fighting an illness, its immune system is already compromised. This weakens your body's ability to fight off infection, increasing the risk of complications like dry socket (a painful condition where the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges), infection at the surgical site, or even more severe systemic infections.
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Slower healing: Illness slows down your body's natural healing process. This means your recovery from wisdom teeth removal will be prolonged and potentially more painful. You might experience more swelling, bruising, and discomfort than usual.
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Medication interactions: Many medications used to treat illnesses can interact negatively with the anesthesia or pain relievers used during and after wisdom teeth extraction. This interaction could lead to adverse reactions or complications during surgery.
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Compromised anesthesia: Some illnesses can affect how your body responds to anesthesia, potentially making it more difficult for the oral surgeon to manage your pain and ensure your safety during the procedure.
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Post-operative care difficulties: Recovery from wisdom teeth surgery requires meticulous aftercare. If you're unwell, it might be harder for you to follow the post-operative instructions correctly (like rinsing your mouth regularly, taking prescribed medications, and maintaining a soft food diet), increasing the risk of complications.
What constitutes being "sick" enough to postpone wisdom teeth removal?
This is best determined in consultation with your oral surgeon and your primary care physician. Generally, you should postpone the surgery if you have:
- Fever: A fever indicates your body is fighting an infection.
- Active infection: Any active infection, whether it's a cold, flu, sinus infection, or something else, increases the risk of complications.
- Weakened immune system: Conditions that compromise your immune system, such as autoimmune diseases or recent chemotherapy, necessitate careful consideration and likely postponement.
- Severe illness: Any severe illness, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, necessitates postponement.
What should you do if you're sick and scheduled for wisdom teeth removal?
Immediately contact your oral surgeon and your primary care physician. Explain your symptoms and allow them to assess whether rescheduling your surgery is the best course of action. They will help determine if your condition is serious enough to warrant postponement and will advise you on when it's safe to reschedule. Postponing the procedure is always better than risking serious complications.
Can you get your wisdom teeth removed if you have a cold?
A simple cold, characterized by mild symptoms like a runny nose and cough, might be manageable depending on the severity. However, it's still advisable to contact your oral surgeon to discuss whether a minor cold is serious enough to reschedule. If you have a fever or significant discomfort, postponing is recommended.
When is the best time to get your wisdom teeth removed?
The best time is when you're in optimal health. This means you are free from any active infections, fevers, or other illnesses that could compromise your healing process. Discuss the optimal timing with your oral surgeon. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health status and circumstances.
This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your oral surgeon and primary care physician before making any decisions regarding your health and dental procedures.
