Have you ever wondered how to make your recovery from wisdom tooth extraction as smooth as possible? The right knowledge about the dos and don’ts after wisdom tooth extraction will help make your recovery journey smoother and faster. If you’re sitting in discomfort now or are preparing yourself for a future procedure, you would know how important it is to take care of yourself after surgery.
We will discuss some of the most critical tips for managing pain, preventing infection, and encouraging healing. From what to eat to how you should rest—common mistakes to avoid—we’ve got your back. Keep reading our blog about wisdom teeth aftercare for a quick and easy recovery.
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A] What To Expect After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
After wisdom tooth extraction, knowing what to expect is essential to ensure a smooth recovery. There could be initial swelling and discomfort in the operated area. Application of an ice pack can reduce swelling, while over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve discomfort. There might be some bleeding, so you should consume soft food during this period to avoid irritating the extraction site.
Recovery involves good oral hygiene, but one must be cautious around the surgical area. Be aware that gingivitis can cause inflamed gums, which might interfere with healing. Therefore, good oral hygiene must be ensured. Follow the instructions provided by your dentist to keep the area clean. You can recover completely after a wisdom tooth extraction with proper precautions against persistent pain and swelling, accidents, or signs of infection.
B] Dos for Smooth Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery
1. Follow Your Dentist’s Advice
Immediately after your wisdom tooth extraction, stick to the post-operative instructions provided by your oral surgeon, like keeping pressure on the surgical site with gauze, taking prescribed medications and maintaining proper oral hygiene to avoid any complications during the aftercare. These are the basic pieces of advice that your doctor will give, but other than that, they will provide your recovery advice tailored to your needs.
2. Rest and Take It Easy
Rest is an integral part of recovering from wisdom teeth removal. Avoid heavy exercises, and let the body take its time to heal. While people recover from wisdom teeth extraction at different rates, rest during the first few days is important for speedy recovery. You can keep your head in an elevated position, which will help reduce swelling and pain. Make sure not to overexert too much, as any complications result from this action. Take time off and let the body heal independently without interfering or rushing the process.
3. Use Ice Packs
Swelling is a very obvious outcome of extracting wisdom teeth. To control this swelling, apply ice packs to the outside of your face at the side the tooth was extracted. Apply the ice pack—20 minutes on, 20 minutes off—for the first 24 to 48 hours. Not only does this method lessen swelling, but it will also help with the pain. Adding this small step into your wisdom teeth removal care routine is highly advantageous with regard to feeling better during this time of discomfort and soreness.
4. Maintain Oral Hygiene
One should practice good oral hygiene to avoid infection and get healed. Be easy on the area operated on. Only use a soft-bristled toothbrush and keep it away from the extraction site when brushing it. The saltwater solution will help to rinse your mouth out after the procedure. According to your dentist’s recommendations, this wisdom teeth aftercare practice can be done 24 hours later. It keeps the area clean but won’t be too irritating. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash because it may have a significant irritating effect on the extraction site. The following are some tooth extraction aftercare tips which can help you recover healthily.
5. Eat Soft Foods
Soft foods like yoghurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are painless and do not interfere with the extracted area. You should not drink or eat anything hard, crispy, or spicy. Good nutrition will aid in healing, so fill up on foods that provide good nutrition but are light on the stomach. Stick to these dietary guidelines to help rule out what not to do after wisdom teeth removal and make your recovery much smoother.
C] Don’ts for Smooth Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery
1. Don’t Smoke or Use Straws
Smoking and using straws is one of the things you can’t do after wisdom tooth removal. Both actions create suction in your mouth, which can dislodge the blood clot formed at the extraction site, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket. Smoking introduces harmful chemicals that can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. For a smooth recovery after wisdom tooth extraction, it’s essential to refrain from these activities for at least a week.
2. Don’t Consume Hard, Crunchy, or Spicy Foods
During the recovery of wisdom teeth, your diet plays a significant role. Avoid consuming hard, crunchy, or spicy foods, which can irritate or damage the extraction site. Foods like nuts, chips, and spicy dishes can get stuck in the wound, causing pain and potentially leading to infection. Stick to a soft food diet to ensure proper wisdom teeth removal care.
3. Don’t Skip Medications
Medications prescribed by your dentist are part of your tooth extraction aftercare. They help manage pain, reduce swelling, and prevent infection. Skipping these medications can lead to unnecessary discomfort and complications. Whether it’s antibiotics to avoid infection or pain relievers to manage post-operative pain, medications for effective aftercare are available.
4. Don’t Drink Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can interfere with the healing process after wisdom tooth extraction. It can interact negatively with prescribed medications and delay the body’s natural healing mechanisms. For a smoother recovery, avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 to 48 hours post-surgery.
5. Don’t Touch the Extraction Site
Resist the urge to touch or poke the extraction site with your tongue or fingers. Doing so can introduce bacteria, disrupt the blood clot, and delay healing. It’s one of the key things you can’t do after wisdom teeth removal to prevent infection and other complications. Keeping your hands and other objects away from the wounded site is important for effective aftercare.
6. Don’t Ignore Signs of Infection
Pay attention to any signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, pus, or a foul taste in your mouth. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious complications. If you notice any of these signs, contact your dentist immediately. Timely intervention is crucial for effective wisdom teeth removal care. Your dentist will provide appropriate treatment to address the infection and ensure your recovery stays on track. Consulting a professional, such as a dentist in Sunshine Coast, can provide you with the necessary care and guidance during the recovery of your surgical removal of wisdom teeth.
Conclusion
We discussed what you should do and don’t do after wisdom tooth extraction for successful recovery. By following these tips, you can have a smooth journey and return to your daily routine in no time. If you want wisdom tooth extraction, visit us at Oris Dental, where we help patients have a radiant smile. Our professionals create a customised plan according to your needs for a smoother recovery and help you fix your oral health. Contact us today and book your appointment now.
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FAQs
Q) What to eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Ans: After your wisdom teeth removal, you should have soft foods like soups, smoothies, milkshakes, mashed potatoes, etc. You should have a liquid diet for the first 24 hours to avoid straining your teeth.
Q) How long does wisdom teeth removal take?
Ans: You might need to get your wisdom tooth removed if your wisdom tooth starts causing pain or grows crooked. The procedure takes about an hour to complete, but the time can vary depending on the person’s case.
Q) How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
Ans: On average, wisdom tooth removal recovery can take one to two weeks, but they can resume their daily activities after the third day. If the pain persists, see your dentist to rule out any signs of infection.
Q) What to do after wisdom teeth removal?
Ans: After your wisdom tooth removal procedure, take pain relief medicines, rinse your mouth with salt water, eat soft food, and rest. Doing so can help you recover smoothly after the procedure.
Q) How soon can you talk after wisdom teeth removal?
Ans: Try speaking less softly for the first 24 to 48 hours to avoid damage. Communicate using texts or notes. After 48 hours, the discomfort and stiffness will fade, allowing you to talk more clearly.
Q) How can swelling from wisdom teeth removal be prevented?
Ans: Swelling after wisdom teeth removal can not be prevented, but it can be managed with medicines, ice packs, and gargling using salt water to reduce the discomfort.
Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi
Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi, serving as the principal dentist at Oris Dental, brings a wealth of expertise spanning over 26 years to his esteemed practice. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and orthodontics, he takes immense pride in rejuvenating countless smiles and instilling confidence in Sunshine Coast residents. As an esteemed member of the Australian Dental Association and esteemed dental societies, he remains steadfast in delivering exceptional care to his patients.
