WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION AFTERCARE: WHAT ARE THE DOS AND DON’TS?

By : Affordable Dentist | July 16, 2021

We can generally notice that our Wisdom Teeth show up in our late teens or early twenties. Certain times, wisdom teeth prove to be a precious asset to your mouth only when strong and properly aligned. But in most of the cases, we find them to be non-aligned and most essential need to be extracted in order to preserve oral health. Wisdom teeth extraction is actually an oral surgery.
At any point in our life, whenever we undergo any type of surgery, we all wish it to heal fast and also in an appropriate way without any hindrance. So here, we have created a list of after wisdom teeth extraction - dos and don’ts. Check them out!
The Dos:

Rest. Make sure that you take little rest for some days.

Elevate your head. When you keep your head elevated, it reduces the amount of swelling.

Use an ice pack for the first 24-48 hours after the extraction. When you put ice to the extracted site, it slowly lessens your pain and also minimizes your swelling. Keep applying the ice packs 15 minutes on and again 15 minutes off for 1-2 hours.

Bite on your cotton gauze. Don’t take out the cotton gauze from inside your mouth. When you keep biting on the gauze, the pressure that is created helps to stop your bleeding.

Keep your mouth clean. When you maintain a healthy and clean mouth it helps to balance your oral health. Don’t forget to gargle with the salt-water solution a minimum once a day.

Intake liquid and soft food for a few days. Hard and crunchy foods should never be taken after undergoing extraction. Eat soft, liquid foods, such as mashed potatoes, yogurts, soups, milkshakes, etc.

Chew from the other side. Try to chew from the opposite side of your mouth. It’s very vital not to interrupt the injured part in your gum and just leave it to heal.

Drink adequate amounts of fluids especially water – but never try to use a straw!

Brush gently. Only begin brushing your teeth from the next day post-surgery. But also remember that you don’t brush the wisdom tooth extraction part.

The Don’ts:

Don’t use any straws. Don’t suck, spit, smoke, or drink alcohol. Suppose, the clot becomes dislodged anyhow, the area may bleed profusely and you will experience pain. Later on, this may turn to form dry sockets.

Don’t even try to eat, drink or try to talk instantly after your oral surgery.

Keep solid foods at bay. Stay away from popcorn, nuts, and other hard, crunchy, or spicy foods for one week. Also, do not have hot or carbonated drinks.

Don’t take aspirin. Do you know that aspirin works as a blood thinner? It actually delays blood clot formation.

Stop icing the wisdom teeth extraction after the first 48 hours of your surgery. You can also apply hot water to your extraction site. It gives you some relief.

Never try to poke into the gap formed after undergoing extraction with your finger, tongue, pencil, toothpick, or any other objects. It will simply disturb the site and delay your healing period.

Don’t rinse your mouth too vigorously. Now, if you rinse very vigorously, it totally generates pressure. And this in fact may dislodge the blood clot and result in greater complications.

Finally, go to your dentist without further delay if it continues to bleed even after 24 hours or you feel any type of discomfort or fever.
Get the Help you need!
Now, if you are looking to get the best wisdom tooth extraction in Fort Worth, TX, then, surely visit our dental office at My Affordable Dentist Near Me. We always prioritize your comfort and safety and use the minimally invasive techniques possible to reduce discomfort post-surgery. You can just call us for an appointment or book online.

Understanding Wisdom Teeth and Their Extraction

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. Their development can be a source of discomfort as they often become impacted, leading to various dental issues such as crowding, misalignment, and infections. Dental professionals frequently recommend extraction to avoid these complications, ensuring optimal oral health for patients.

During the extraction process, patients receive anesthesia to minimize discomfort, and the procedure is usually quick. However, the recovery process can be critical, as proper aftercare is essential to prevent complications like dry sockets or infections. Understanding the nature of wisdom teeth and the necessity of their removal can alleviate anxiety for patients facing this common dental procedure.

Dos After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

After wisdom tooth extraction, adhering to the dos can significantly enhance recovery and comfort. Keeping your head elevated while resting helps to reduce swelling, a common issue after surgery. Additionally, applying ice packs intermittently to the site of the extraction can effectively manage pain and inflammation, supporting a smoother healing process.

Eating soft, nutritious foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies is highly recommended during the initial days post-surgery. These foods provide necessary nutrients without putting strain on the healing gums. Throughout this period, it's crucial to avoid vigorous activities that could jeopardize recovery, ensuring that the focus remains on healing effectively.

Don'ts After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Following wisdom tooth extraction, certain activities must be avoided to prevent complications. For instance, it's crucial not to suck, spit, or smoke, as these actions can disrupt blood clots that form at the extraction site. Dislodging these clots can lead to excessive bleeding and painful dry sockets, a condition that significantly complicates recovery.

Moreover, consuming hard, crunchy, or hot foods should be strictly avoided for the first week. These types of foods can irritate the tender gums and potentially cause infection. Patience during the recovery process is essential, and it's wise to take heed of all aftercare instructions to promote healing and ensure the best possible outcome.

When to Contact Your Dentist

If you experience prolonged bleeding or increased discomfort after 24 hours post-extraction, it is vital to contact your dentist immediately. Such symptoms could indicate complications that require professional attention. Additionally, signs of fever or unusual swelling might suggest an infection, necessitating prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider.

WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION AFTERCARE: WHAT ARE THE DOS AND DON’TS?

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Related Pages:

Understanding Wisdom Teeth and Their Extraction

Dos After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Don'ts After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

When to Contact Your Dentist