Wisdom Teeth Extraction Aftercare Tips

Five million Americans extract their wisdom teeth every year. These are statistics derived from the American Public Health Association (APHA). Dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth for various reasons, such as cavities, infection, disease, and tooth crowding.

Oral surgeons often perform wisdom teeth extraction. Teeth removal is a way to relieve pain. But you can experience discomfort, swelling, and pain after the procedure. There are various options to avoid experiencing this aftermath.

If you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted, you do not need to worry about surgery. There are several aftercare tips to follow. Following these measures can reduce the possible side effects of wisdom teeth extraction.

Use Your Pain Prescription Medication

After extraction, your dentist will prescribe some pain relief medication. You may also get antibiotics to fight and prevent infections. Ensure you complete the dosage even if the swelling clears. Stopping treatment before finishing the dosage can make the bacteria in your mouth resistant to medication.

Keep Your Mouth Clean

Brushing your teeth as gently as you can near the extraction site is advisable. Ensure you do not dislodge the blood clot on the site. Your dentist can give you a special rinse or create yours using warm water. Rinsing can help with the healing process. Doing so after your meals will help reduce the pain and swelling.

Eat Soft Foods

Eating a balanced and nutritious meal is essential for your recovery process. Doing so eases swelling and lessens your chances of developing complications. Wisdom tooth extraction leaves behind a healing wound. Stick to foods you can chew with ease. Consult your dentist about foods you can eat after surgery. 

Below are some nutritious and soft meals you can have after the wisdom teeth extraction:

• Broths.
• Mashed potatoes.
• Scrambled eggs.
• Mashed bananas.
• Smoothies.
• Cottage cheese.
• Salmon.

Avoid eating spicy food and crunchy or chewy foods. Spicy food can cause pain and irritation on the wound site. Eating crunchy foods or grains and seeds can disrupt healing by dislodging the wound.

Chewy foods can increase the risk of biting your lips, tongue, or cheeks, especially if your mouth is still numb. Alcohol may irritate. It can also interfere with the prescription drugs you will use for pain relief.

Ice Your Cheek and Jaw

Wisdom teeth removal can leave you with pain. One of the pain relief strategies that work is icing your cheek and jaw. Doing so eases the swelling and bruising that occurs after the surgery. Put an ice pack beside the extraction site for around 20 minutes. Allow your face to rest for a while, then place the ice back again. Do this as frequently as you can for the next 48 hours after the extraction.

Rest

Wisdom teeth extraction is surgery, and your body requires rest to start healing. Most people want to resume their regular schedules after the procedure. The problem with this is that the healing process slows down. Exercising after surgery can increase your bleeding and swelling. 

Get plenty of rest after the procedure. Resting allows your body to heal faster. Sleep for at least seven to nine hours every night. Getting enough sleep after surgery reduces swelling. Resting allows less from your heart. As a result, your blood pressure drops and causes less strain to your blood vessels.

For more on wisdom teeth, visit kksmiles at our office in Marietta, Georgia. You can also call 770.830.3700 to book an appointment today.