Sep
Do’s and Don’ts after Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom Tooth Extraction can be a really painful process that needs the utmost care and support. It is extremely important to know the things to do and avoid after the procedure, especially if you are about to undergo this procedure. As dentists, we often receive patients who are suffering from painful situations due to a wisdom tooth. After getting their tooth extracted, they end up doing various things that a dental surgeon may not have prescribed.
The wisdom tooth is placed deep inside the mouth, which makes it difficult for the dentist to access it. The extraction procedure is extremely difficult, due to which you will be required to have the right knowledge about it. It will help you lower the discomfort and recover a bit quickly.
In this blog, we will share the precautions to be followed after a wisdom tooth extraction procedure, which will help you achieve better recovery and lower discomfort. We will also share some important instructions that you need to follow in the first 24-36 hours after the surgery.
Do’s and Don’ts after Wisdom Tooth Extraction
First 24 Hours:
| Do’s | Don’t |
| Immediately after undergoing the operation, you should strictly follow the post-operative instructions provided by the oral surgeon operating on you. This may involve keeping the pressure on the surgical site with a gauge, taking prescribed medications, and following a proper oral care routine. | Avoid engaging in physically demanding activities. They may increase the blood flow and disrupt the clot forming at the area of surgery. You need to take thorough rest to ensure a smooth recovery and lower the chances of any oral infection. |
| You need to apply a cold compress on the surgical area to lower the swelling and discomfort. Keep the area compressed for 15-20 minutes at a time during the first day. This may help you lower the pain and inflammation. | Refrain from eating certain kinds of food that can be complex or difficult to chew. Partake in a soft-food diet to avoid potential harm or irritation to the surgical area. You can also choose foods items that can be easily chewed, such as ice creams, yogurt, and smoothies. |
| While resting, you need to keep your head elevated using a pillow. By doing so, you can reduce the swelling and allow excess fluids to drain away from the surgical area. | Don’t disturb the surgical area with your tongue or finger, as they carry a lot of infection. This may also interrupt normal healing. |
| Maintain a proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth gently and be careful around the surgical area while brushing. You should also rinse your mouth with a mouthwash prescribed by your dentist. It will help you avoid infections and heal properly. | Avoid smoking or using straws while consuming any kind of liquid. While doing any of these activities, a suction will be created inside the mouth. This suction can dislodge the blood clot forming on the site of extraction. This can lead to a condition called “dry socket, which can be really painful. |
To manage the pain and discomfort after the procedure, you need to take the prescribed medication. It may help you recover in a comfortable manner. | Don’t skip follow-up appointments. During these appointments, the dentist will monitor your healing progress. It can help you avoid any complications and ensure healthy recovery. |
Take some rest and give your body some time. You need to heal properly, and it will take some time for you to recover. Hence, it is important to take it easy while performing any activity. You should also prioritize self-care. | You should not panic about swelling or bruising, which is very common after the extraction of the wisdom tooth. They usually occur within 48 hours and will lower gradually. You can also apply a cold compress and keep your head elevated, which will lower the pain. |
After 36 Hours:
| Do’s | Don’t |
| Resume brushing gently and rinsing your mouth with the mouthwash prescribed by your oral surgeon. | Don’t let any food particles or debris accumulate in the surgical area. |
| Be careful while brushing or flossing around the surgical area. | Don’t avoid drinking water as it is essential to keep yourself hydrated during the entire healing process. |
| Start eating solid foods gradually after 48 hours. Begin small with porridge, soup, scrambled eggs, etc or cooked vegetables. You should also be careful with your comfort levels and avoid eating food items that are crunchy or hard. | Don’t stop yourself from taking the prescribed medicines, as it is extremely important for your recovery. You should also visit the dentist for follow-ups too. |
| If you are still experiencing swelling or discomfort after 36-48 hours, apply a warm or damp cloth on the surgical area for 15-20 minutes. | Avoid consuming alcohol or spicy foods for a week, as they can cause interruption during the healing process. |
| Rinse your mouth with warm, saline water. | While rinsing, make sure you don’t get the surgical area disturbed. |
Some Other Things to Keep in Mind During the Recovery Process
Here are some other things that you need to consider during the healing process:
- Avoid eating, drinking, or talking immediately after getting your wisdom tooth extracted.
- Refrain from taking aspirin. This medicine is a blood thinner that can cause delay in clot formation on the area of surgery.
- Always try to eat on the other side of the mouth and prevent eating or chewing near the surgical area. This may disturb the wound present on your gum.
- Keep biting your cotton gauge as it will help you stop the bleeding inside.
Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction Today
Furthermore, you can consult the dentists at Emergency Dental 365. We have the most experienced and knowledgeable dental professionals who will guide you with your queries regarding your oral health. They will also help you ensure proper recovery and avoid any infections. Consult our dentists today and preserve your oral health for the future.
Conclusion
Getting your wisdom tooth extracted can be really painful. However, you don’t have to suffer from extreme pain after the procedure. To avoid that, you need to follow some important guidelines from your dentist, which will help you recover smoothly without experiencing too much discomfort or pain.
