Having your wisdom teeth removed can be a daunting experience. But don’t worry, the recovery process is not too difficult if you follow the instructions given to you by your dentist or oral surgeon. Here are some tips on how to take care of yourself after wisdom teeth removal.
Be Gentle with Your Mouth
For the first 24 hours after having your wisdom teeth removed, it’s important to be gentle with your mouth.
Bleeding after wisdom teeth removal is not unusual and can be an expected part of the healing process. To help minimize bleeding, be sure to use gauze as instructed, switch out your gauze every 30-45 minutes, and keep your head elevated when resting.
Also, avoid hot liquids and solid foods that would cause excessive bleeding while also avoiding strenuous exercise and activities following surgery until the surgical site is fully healed.
Avoid brushing or flossing near the area of the extraction site for at least 24 hours. This will help reduce the risk of infection after wisdom teeth extraction and allow time for the healing.
Pain Management
Taking care of yourself at home can help to make the recovery from your wisdom teeth removal as quick and comfortable as possible.
If you’re feeling any discomfort after getting your wisdom teeth out, there are several tried and tested methods of pain management that you should consider incorporating into your post-surgery routine.
One important method is salt water rinsing, which helps the wound heal faster.
To rinse your mouth with warm salt water, simply dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, stir well until all the salt is dissolved, and then swish about one-quarter of the solution for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Doing this three to four times daily is recommended to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
An ice pack is highly effective at reducing swelling and preventing infection. It should be placed on the affected side of the face, in the area of the cheeks and jawline, where swelling may have occurred due to wisdom teeth removal. It is important to periodically switch out the ice pack every 10 minutes or so to ensure that it is providing maximum benefit for healing
Over-the-counter medication can provide relief from inflammation, throbbing or general discomfort. If pain persists, your dentist can also prescribe a stronger pain medication to ensure that you’re comfortable during healing.
Soft foods are key in the recovery process. After the surgery, your mouth may stay a bit tender and swollen, so soft foods allow you to nourish without further irritating the areas.
Soups, yogurts, mashed potatoes/vegetables/fruits and soft breads are among some great soft food choices that you can eat during your recovery period.
Ultimately, following your dentist’s instructions closely will make sure that you have a speedy and stress-free recovery after a wisdom tooth removal.
Follow Up Visits
When it comes to wisdom teeth removal, regular follow-up visits with your dentist are an essential way to maintain a healthy mouth and smile.
A follow up visit will often consist of X-rays to monitor the area, a detailed examination of the surgical site, and extra cleaning if needed.
During this visit, your dentist may want to check for any signs of infection or inflammation, remove sutures if necessary, change dressings, or give advice on how best to care for yourself during the healing process.
After this visit, your dentist may advise further visits in order to keep track of the progress. Regular follow up visits are recommended to be sure that no problems develop after surgery and spot any issues early on so they can be corrected before they become major issues.
If you have recently had wisdom teeth removal surgery, regular follow-up appointments are one of the most important ways you can ensure your mouth stays healthy and comfortable for years to come!
Having wisdom teeth removed can be a scary experience but following these tips can help ensure a smooth recovery period with minimal fuss! Be sure to listen carefully to all instructions provided by your dentist before and after surgery and contact them immediately if you have any concerns or questions about the procedure or post-operative care. With proper care and patience, you should be back on track in no time!