Before we enter summer break for many high schoolers and the start of college summers already we wanted to share the top 10 ways you can recover from wisdom teeth removal. It can be a simple surgery, but there are things you can do to help make it a smoother process for you.
How to Recover from Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Ice, ice, ice! For the first one to two days it is important to ice to help reduce swelling. Use ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, especially right after the surgery! Elevating your head can also help with swelling.
- After the first two days switch to heat around your jaw line if you would like additional comfort.
- Bite on the gauze provided by our dentists. This will help to stop any bleeding that may occur after surgery. You can also use black tea bags as an alternative – this is even more effective in stopping bleeding if gauze is not working.
- Drink a lot of fluids! But none of them through a straw. That is a big no, no after this particular surgery as it can cause dry sockets (see last paragraph). Being hydrated BEFORE the surgery is also a big plus – start getting plenty of water 48 hours before your surgery.
- Stay on a soft foods diet at the beginning. As you progress in your recovery, slowly start to transition to harder foods. It’s best to avoid initially ones that can be sharp when you chew, like chips.
- The day after your surgery, start to open and close your mouth. This will help exercise your jaw while you heal.
- You will be prescribed pain medicine. Do not forget a dose the first couple of days. It is always better to stay ahead of any discomfort rather than try to catch up with it.
- Do not brush your teeth the same day as your surgery. It is best to wait a day, but even then do not brush the extraction site. It needs more time to heal.
- Since we just mentioned no brushing, it is important to make sure you rinse your mouth out. We will provide something to you or recommend saltwater.
- Follow our instructions we will send home with you. If there is anything you are not comfortable with, give us a call. We have our dentists on call for you.
What is a Dry Socket?
We mentioned a dry socket earlier in tip number four. A dry socket typically happens three to four days after surgery if it is going to happen. It occurs when either the bone or nerve is exposed at the extraction site. If this happens you will have pain in this spot, but all you need to do is give us a call and we can assist you quickly to solve this problem.
Questions? Contact Us.
If you are interested in additional information on having your wisdom teeth removed this summer, please give our office a call. We will set up a time to speak with you and discuss your options as we offer sleep dentistry options as well for wisdom tooth removal.