Having a wisdom tooth removed is not a pleasant experience at all. However being aware of the dos and don’ts after wisdom tooth extraction can at least ease the healing process. The right care tips will also help reduce chances of developing complications and enhance healing.

What is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Wisdom tooth removal is an effective dental treatment, which aims to remove one or more wisdom teeth – the third permanent molars located in the posterior, upper and/or lower jaw in the mouth. Sometimes these teeth lead to issues like crowding, pain, or the development of an infection thus making removal necessary.

Importance of post wisdom tooth extraction care 

Prolonged post wisdom tooth extraction care is important to undertake in order to facilitate the healing process. Aftercare for the extraction site helps in minimizing infection, enhancing healing and preventing other conditions like dry socket or protraction of discomfort.

Dos and Don’ts After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Understanding the dos and don’ts after wisdom tooth extraction is crucial to managing pain and speeding up the healing process.

Dos After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

1. Rest Properly

Give your body a chance to recover by resting as much for at least 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. Avoid exercises and activities that could place much pressure on your mouth.

2. Use Ice Packs

Place an ice pack over your face every 15-20 minutes, which will help in minimizing the swelling and the pain the most.

3. Rinse Gently with Salt Water

To help control the bleeding, since it is common to experience it after a few hours, rinse your mouth gently with a salt water solution to clean your mouth.

4. Eat Soft Foods

Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods like yoghurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes. These foods will not cause any form of inflammation or sensitivity to the extraction area.

5. Elevate Your Head

As much as possible, avoid laying flat on your back during sleep or while taking a break; instead, lift your head to decrease inflammation and bleeding.

Don’ts After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

1. Avoid Smoking or Using Straws

Smoking or the use of straws involves the creation of suction that may remove the clot formed at the extraction site, resulting in a dry socket.

2. Don’t Eat Hard, Crunchy Foods

It is not wise to consume foods such as chips or nuts that may cause inflammation or dislodge in the extraction site.

3. Don’t Touch the Extraction Site

Do not use the tongue or fingers to remove the scab that forms on the extraction site, as this leads to infection.

4. Don’t Skip Medications

Stick to the prescribed doses on time, as medications alleviate pain and reduce the risk of infections.

5. Don’t Engage in Strenuous Activity

Vigorous exercise may lead to bleeding; Ideally, it is advised to avoid exercising for at least a few days.

What to Do Immediately After the Procedure

Following the wisdom tooth extraction apply pressure to the extraction site to reduce bleeding by biting on the gauze pad. Retain the gauze in position by applying pressure for 30-45mins.

Foods to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

In the recovery period, there is a need to stay adherent to soft foods that are also rich in nutrients. Some recommended foods include:

  • Smoothies (without straws)
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Soup (not too hot)
  • Pudding
  • Scrambled eggs

Precautions after Wisdom tooth extraction

It is important to adhere to the precautions after wisdom tooth extraction in order to minimize the risk of complications. It is recommended that one should ensure that he/she does not smoke, should raise his/her head while lying down, and should not engage in any form of strenuous exercise for a couple of days.

How to Properly Care for the Extraction Site

  • For 24 hours after the procedure, rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution, especially after meals.
  • Do not use commercial mouthwash since they contain alcohol that may cause inflammation on the extraction site.
  • Take care of your teeth; you should brush them gently, but avoid the region surrounding the extracted tooth.
  • Avoid interfering with the clot that has formed at the site while rinsing your mouth.

Managing Pain and Swelling Effectively

  • Take Pain Relievers

When in pain after a wisdom teeth extraction, consume over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen as advised by the dentist.

  • Apply Ice Packs

Apply an ice pack which should be placed on the outside of your cheek for every 15-20 minutes especially during the first 48 hours to minimize swelling.

  • Stay Hydrated

Stay hydrated, but do not use a straw, as suction can interfere with the healing process.

When to Contact Your Dentist

You should contact your dentist if you notice any of the following:

  • Prolonged bleeding
  • Signs of infection (fever, pus)
  • Persistent pain that does not reduce sufficiently even after taking medication
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing

Conclusion

Aftercare after the surgery of the wisdom tooth extraction should be done properly to ensure that the operation is complete without any complications. Following the dos and don’ts after wisdom teeth extraction makes it possible to control pains and avoid the development of complications that may hinder the process of healing. 

It is also important to always follow the advice of your dentist and seek medical attention if you feel anything out of the ordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I rest after wisdom tooth extraction?

The patient should stay inactive and rest for at least 24-48 hours after extraction to avoid any complications.

Can I brush my teeth after wisdom tooth extraction?

Yes, but to avoid further inflammation, you should not brush the area of the extraction for the first few days.

What foods should I avoid after the procedure?

Do not consume food that is hard or crunchy or foods that are spicy since they cause discomfort at the extraction site.

How do I manage bleeding after wisdom tooth extraction?

Hold a piece of gauze that has been prescribed by your dentist in your mouth for 30-45 minutes to reduce bleeding. Replace the gauze as needed.

Is it normal to have swelling after the extraction?

Yes, the swelling is normal and should take up to 1 week. In this case, using ice can be useful since it can minimize them.

When can I resume physical activities post-extraction?

You should not engage in any activities that will exert pressure on the area for at least 3-4 days to minimise bleeding or case of dry socket.

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