If you’re feeling the pain and discomfort from your wisdom teeth, getting an extraction could be the solution you’re looking to feel good again.
Wisdom teeth extraction is a standard dental procedure that helps prevent pain, infections, and complications caused by impacted or overcrowded teeth. Whilst wisdom teeth extraction surgery is routine, it’s important to ensure proper aftercare for a smooth and quick recovery. Understanding what to do and what to avoid can surely make a significant difference in healing and preventing complications.
So, what do you think are the do’s and don’ts after a wisdom tooth extraction? Let’s uncover them here, so you can recover comfortably and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
The Do’s: How to Care After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
1. Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you specific aftercare instructions based on your procedure. This is a typical routine after a wisdom tooth extraction procedure. Make sure to follow their guidance closely, including taking prescribed medications, cleaning your mouth, and attending follow-up appointments.
2. Get Plenty of Rest
Rest is crucial in the first 24–48 hours after wisdom teeth extraction surgery. Because your mouth has been under so much stress during the surgery, it’s better to give it a rest first before doing anything strenuous. Avoid activities like bending over, lifting heavy objects, or any kind of exercise yet, as these actions can increase bleeding and swelling.
3. Apply Ice Packs to Reduce Swelling
Swelling is a pretty normal reaction once the tooth is extracted, so it’s part of the whole recovery journey. To help with it, try to apply an ice pack to your cheek for 15–20 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling and provide relief. Continue to do it a few more times if it still swells.
4. Eat Soft Foods
After your surgery, chewing food can be a bit challenging, so it’s best to stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and soups for the first few days. Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could irritate the surgical site just yet. Be patient with your healing and gradually shift your diet as your site heals.
5. Keep Your Mouth Clean (Gently)
Good oral hygiene is still essential after a wisdom teeth extraction surgery, but you must be careful. Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water after 24 hours to keep the area clean and help prevent infection. Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting.
6. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is the key to ensuring bacteria do not form around your surgery site. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but avoid using straws, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot from the extraction site and lead to complications like dry sockets.
7. Take Pain Medication as Directed
If your dentist prescribed pain medication or recommended over-the-counter pain relievers, take them as directed to manage discomfort during recovery.
The Don’ts: What to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
1. Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco Products
Smoking can slow down healing and increase the risk of complications, including dry sockets and infections. Basically, when you’re about to get a wisdom teeth extraction done, your dentist may even recommend you not smoke or use tobacco products a few days before your surgery to avoid complications. Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after surgery as well, but ideally, dentists will advise you to quit for good.
2. Don’t Drink Alcohol
The effects of alcohol in wisdom teeth surgery can also be the same with tobacco products. Alcohol can interfere with the healing process and may interact with prescribed medications. Avoid alcoholic beverages for at least a few days before or after your wisdom teeth extraction.
3. Don’t Use a Straw
Sucking on a straw creates pressure in your mouth, which can dislodge the protective blood clot from the extraction site. This can lead to a painful condition known as a dry socket.
4. Don’t Eat Hard or Sticky Foods
Foods that require excessive chewing or are sticky can irritate the surgical area, get stuck in the extraction site, and increase the risk of infection. Avoid foods like nuts, popcorn, and chewy candies. Make sure to stock a couple soft foods before your surgery day to ensure you can take care of your extraction site after your procedure.
5. Don’t Brush Directly Over the Extraction Site
Brushing your teeth is still needed after your wisdom teeth extraction. However, be very gentle and avoid the surgical area for the first few days. Instead, rinse your mouth with salt water or a prescribed mouthwash to maintain oral hygiene.
6. Don’t Rinse or Spit Forcefully
Vigorous rinsing or spitting can dislodge the healing blood clot, which will also lead to a dry socket. When rinsing, let the liquid fall out of your mouth naturally instead of spitting forcefully.
7. Don’t Ignore Persistent Pain or Signs of Infection
Mild discomfort is normal, but if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, fever, or swelling that worsens after a few days, contact your dentist immediately. These could be signs of an infection or other complications.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Most people recover from wisdom teeth extraction within a week. Swelling and discomfort typically peak within the first 2–3 days and gradually improve. However, full healing of the surgical site may take a few weeks, so make sure to be patient during the healing process to avoid getting further pain and complications in the long run.
If you follow these dos and don’ts, your recovery should be smooth, and you’ll be back to normal in no time.
Recover Comfortably and Heal Faster
Taking care of our oral health is important—that’s why many people fall to getting wisdom teeth extraction to ensure they experience no discomfort or pain anymore. Because of that, taking proper care after wisdom teeth extraction is also as crucial as any dental routine to ensure a smooth-sailing recovery.
When a wisdom tooth is annoying or hurting you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced and skilled dentists! At Dentist Near Me Toongabbie, we’re here to help you with your wisdom teeth extraction surgery before and after the procedure is done.
Contact us today for expert advice or to book an appointment!
