If you are one of the millions of Americans who will require having their wisdom teeth removed this year, you are probably wondering what you can expect during your recovery time. The recovery times can vary from person to person and may sometimes feel like they drag on for quite some time.
Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to help your body heal quickly and minimize discomfort. This blog post will discuss tips for recovering from wisdom teeth removal surgery. Follow these tips along with your dentist’s instructions, and you will be on your way to a quick and easy recovery!
Ice The Area to Reduce Swelling
After wisdom teeth extraction, most people will experience some swelling and bruising around their wisdom teeth area. This is normal and usually resolves within a week or two. You can help reduce pain and swelling by using ice packs intermittently for the first few days after surgery. Place an ice pack on the area for 20 minutes, then remove it for 10 minutes. Repeat this cycle as often as possible.
It would be best to avoid spitting or rinsing your mouth excessively, as this will increase the swelling. We recommend following your dentist’s instructions very carefully for proper healing.
Take Medication as Directed
We all know the importance of taking pain medication and antibiotics as directed, especially when recovering from surgery or an illness. Unfortunately, many patients do not always take their medications as prescribed, which can delay or prevent your wisdom teeth recovery. This can be especially dangerous when it comes to wisdom teeth removal. Because wisdom teeth are located in the back of your mouth and are not easily seen, it is easy to forget that they need special care during the healing process.
If you are recovering from wisdom tooth removal, please make sure to take all of your medication as directed by your dentist or oral surgeon. Not only will this help you recover faster, but it will also help reduce your risk of infection and provide pain relief.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
We all know that drinking plenty of fluids is essential, especially when feeling sick. But did you know that it is also vital to recover from surgery properly? Drinking fluids can help speed up your recovery and minimize your risk of complications. So make sure to drink plenty of water and other healthy fluids in the days and weeks following your surgery and if you find yourself struggling to drink enough fluids, ask your doctor for help. There are plenty of great thirst-quenching options out there, so there is no need to suffer through dehydration. Just make sure you keep those fluids coming in.
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
If you are recovering from wisdom teeth surgery, your dentist has probably given you a list of foods to avoid. Hard or sticky foods can cause problems with your recovery, so it is crucial to be careful. We recommend sticking to soft foods until you have fully healed. Here are a few tips for avoiding hard or sticky foods:
- Avoid crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots.
- Stay away from chewy meats like ribs or steak.
- Skip the caramel corn and taffy.
- Steer clear of ice cubes and popsicles.
- Say no to nuts and seeds.
- Forgo the pizza crusts and tortilla chips.
Brush Your Teeth Gently
Brushing your teeth is an essential part of oral hygiene, but it is also important to do it gently following any oral surgery, like wisdom tooth extraction. Many people mistake brushing too hard, which can damage your teeth and gums and disturb the healing process at the extraction site.
We recommend you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions to clean your teeth properly while cautious of your wound. You can also swish warm salt water in your mouth to help keep the extraction site clean until the wound has had time to heal completely.
Allow Yourself Time to Heal
Most people do not look forward to getting their wisdom teeth removed, but it is a relatively standard procedure. However, the wisdom teeth recovery time is not always easy for many people as it requires them to slow down and take things easy. Depending on your healing process, you may find yourself dealing with pain, swelling, and other discomforts for quite some time after the surgery.
It is important to give yourself the time you need to completely heal; otherwise, you risk developing further complications. So be sure that you take it easy and do not over-exert yourself. You will thank yourself in the long run.
Prevent Dry Sockets
A common complication after wisdom tooth removal is dry sockets, which can occur when the blood clots that form in the wound during surgery dislodges. Dry sockets can be very painful and can delay your recovery.
To prevent getting them, you should avoid using any straws while drinking until your wound is completely healed. Using straws can cause the blood clot that has formed to become dislodged. It would be best if you also quit smoking. Not only is it bad for your overall health and well-being, but it can also loosen blood clots that have formed over the wound.
Contact Us for Wisdom Tooth Removal
If you require wisdom tooth surgery, we hope you have provided helpful information on recovering correctly. We know that it can be challenging to find a good dentist for the job, and our team would love to help!
Call our office today at (540)-662-6466 if you have any questions about your oral health care needs. Our dental experts are happy to answer all of them promptly so you can make an informed decision on what is best for your teeth and gums long term.