Wisdom teeth usually come in between the ages of seventeen and twenty-one, but all too often, the mouth simply doesn’t have enough room for them. In these cases, leaving them in can result in constant pain, infections, and teeth being forced out of alignment. Because of this, wisdom tooth extractions are routine surgical procedures. Here’s a brief guide to taking care of your teeth after having your wisdom teeth removed so your recovery can be smooth and speedy.
Right After Surgery
Immediately after your surgery, take care to keep the gauze pad over the surgical site in place for half an hour. Afterward, remove and dispose of it. The anesthesia should wear off soon after the surgery, so begin taking the pain medications prescribed to you as soon as you start feeling discomfort. Use ice packs on either side of the face to control swelling as needed.
During this period, the surgical site will be extremely tender, so avoid touching the wound or vigorously rinsing your mouth. Abstain from normal activities after your surgery and wait until you feel comfortable again before you resume them. Stressing your mouth or the rest of your body too much can lead to bleeding or the blood clots that formed over the wounds being dislodged, resulting in a severely painful condition called dry socket.
Eating and Drinking
Your mouth is going to be tender following surgery. Stick to liquids for the initial period after anesthesia but take care not to use a straw. The sucking motion used when drinking through a straw can dislodge a blood clot and cause dry socket. Consume liquids regularly to avoid dehydration.
When your mouth is no longer numb, you can start eating soft foods while taking care to keep the chewing away from the surgical sites. It’s important to regularly consume lots of protein and calories while healing. Do your best not to miss any meals.
Oral Hygiene
Do not perform any vigorous oral rinsing for the first day after surgery. While you can brush your teeth that night, try not to disturb the surgical sites and take special care to rinse gently. Beginning the day after surgery, rinse your mouth at least five to six times a day with a cup of warm water combined with a teaspoon of salt. Be sure to do this after meals.
Recovering from tooth extraction is no picnic, but the discomfort can be managed. By taking proper care of your mouth following surgery, you can make your recovery faster and easier.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Jacob earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois School of Dentistry in 1984 before completing a two-year General Practice Residency at Illinois Masonic Hospital. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Chicago Dental Society, and the Illinois State Dental Society. His office in Deerfield, IL offers general, pediatric, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more information on oral care after tooth extraction, contact his office online or dial (847) 564-2180.