Taking Care of Yourself After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Posted on: 11 December 2017

When it comes to tooth extraction in general and removing wisdom teeth in particular, many people shiver and tremble. They associate the process with excessive amounts of pain and discomfort during and after the procedure.

While it is true that the removal and recovery process of wisdom teeth may involve pain, it doesn't have to be as much of a traumatic experience as people make it seem. Nowadays, anesthetic procedures at the dental office make tooth extraction much less painful, and adhering to proper practices after the procedure can make your recovery process much smoother.

What is wisdom teeth removal?

The wisdom teeth are the 3^rd set of molars that grow in the mouth. They are also the last set to grow, and they often spring up between the ages of 16-20 years. These late blooming teeth often come when the mouth is already full and there may not be enough space for them to grow. Their growth can therefore cause them to emerge at an angle and to overcrowd the mouth. The end result is pain and infections in the long term.

Wisdom teeth removal involves the extraction of these late blooming teeth in order to promote oral health. The procedure is often done in a single operation using general or local anesthesia.

How do you ensure a successful recovery?

It is common to experience pain and discomfort after wisdom teeth removal, especially when the anesthesia wears of. It is therefore important to adhere to these useful practices after the procedure to make sure your recovery is as smooth as possible.

Be careful what you consume

After the teeth extraction, you should avoid consuming solid foods, hot beverages, alcohol and soda. These items can affect the healing process and interfere with the blood clot. Stock up on soft foods such as yoghurt, applesauce and cheese.

Get enough rest

Plan to take it easy for up to 4 days after the surgery. Strenuous activity can prolong the healing process and cause you to dislodge your blood clot.

Make sure you have painkillers

You are likely to experience pain after the procedure. Make sure you have painkillers that were prescribed by your oral surgeon, and take them according to the prescribed dosage. You should also keep an ice pack handy to control the inflammation and swelling.

Don't dislodge the clot

Your top priority should be to avoid dislodging the blood clot during recovery. Avoid rigorous brushing, flossing or any other physical activity near the wound. Regularly rinse your mouth with salt water to facilitate the healing process.

For more information about what to expect after wisdom teeth removal, contact a local dentist.

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