Best Way To Recover From Your Wisdom Teeth Removal
Every year, millions of people undergo wisdom teeth removal. Although not all impacted wisdom teeth require extraction, this is necessary for about 12 percent of truly impact teeth. Also, about 10 percent of third molars develop an infection. In such cases, more serious conditions like cysts might be present. Impact teeth can lead to damage to the adjacent teeth.
If you want to remove your wisdom teeth, you might find yourself worried about the surgery. But you do not have to be because there are many wisdom teeth recovery tips you can follow to prevent the potential side effects of this procedure. Having your wisdom teeth removed should not be scary or painful. Follow these tips so you can heal faster.
- Bite down on a gauze pad. Doing so helps form blood clots in the gums much faster. Blood clots are crucial to recovery because they protect the wound and exposed wound from infection. Just ensure that you bite down gently so you do not reopen the wound. Alternatively, you can bite down on a pad for five minutes until the bleeding stops.
- Apply ice. Icing the jaw and cheek helps ease the swelling and bruising that follows surgery. Apply an ice pack on the side of the extraction site for about 15 minutes. Let the face rest for 20 minutes before applying ice again. Do this during the first 36 to 48 hours after the surgery.
- Follow the pain medication prescription. Ibuprofen might be enough for pain relief following wisdom teeth removal. Otherwise, follow the prescription of your dentist for stronger painkillers. Also, you might have to take antibiotics to prevent infections. Make sure that you complete the prescribed dosage even when the swelling is gone.
- Maintain the cleanliness of your mouth. Your dentist might instruct you to brush your teeth on the night after your surgery. Be gentle when brushing the area near the extraction site to prevent blood clots from dislodging. The next day, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Do this at least five times a day after eating.
- Eat soft foods. A nutritious diet is very important after wisdom teeth surgery. Nutrient-rich meals will help with the swelling and reduce the risks of complications and hasten the wound-healing process. But because you have a wound, go with soft foods that are easy to chew, including mashed vegetables, soups, and broths.
- Get plenty of rest. You can go back to your usual activities after the surgery, but make sure you get lots of rest. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep, particularly the night after the surgery, to help your body heal faster. Enough sleep can help reduce swelling and drop blood pressure, resulting in reduced strain on the blood vessels.
If there are things you can do when it comes to proper wisdom teeth aftercare, there are also a few things that you should avoid. Here are some of the most important don’ts to keep in mind following wisdom teeth removal.
- Consume alcohol. Alcohol can kill the good bacteria in your mouth which can impede healing. With more bad bacteria in the mouth, the world is at a higher risk for infections. Skip alcohol for at least 48 hours after the surgery. If you can, never drink alcoholic beverages until you are 100 percent healed.
- Eat sugary candies. Avoid sugary candy because it can cause bad bacteria to multiply and speed up plaque formation on the teeth and gums. If you eat sugary stuff, you might not remove the small bits stuck in the teeth, causing bacteria to multiply and infect the wound.
- Eat crunchy or hard foods. Cereals, nuts, and chips should be avoided during your recovery. These can pierce the gums and even reopen the surgical wound. If this happens, it will take more time for the wound to completely heal.
- Smoke cigarettes. Tobacco smoke contains over 7000 chemicals that can irritate and infect the wound. Using electronic cigarettes can also dry the mouth. With enough saliva, your gums can get irritated and increase the risk of infections.
If you find yourself still worried about getting your wisdom teeth removed and the possible side effects it can give, talk to a reputable dentist in The Colony for more tips on ensuring a speedy recovery. Along with their recommendation, follow the tips above and you should be on your way to better oral health before you know it.
About Castle Hills Dentistry:
Castle Hills Dentistry is committed to ensuring that patients have the most beautiful, healthy, and natural smiles. Dr. Ryan Daniel takes pride in his attention to detail and the use of the latest procedures and technologies for a comfortable and painless experience.
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