Dos and Don’ts After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: A Comprehensive Guide
An impacted wisdom tooth can cause significant problems for a patient; therefore, the dentist may decide to remove it surgically, which many undergo in their late teenage or early adult age. The operation is not at all complicated but the manner in which the patient is handled after the surgery is very important for quick healing. In this complete guide on wisdom tooth extraction, we will be touching on some do’s and don’ts so that you are well equipped with all the knowledge you need so that your post procedure healing is as comfortable as possible.
Overview of Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery
It is normal to take anywhere between a couple of days and a week to recover after getting your wisdom teeth pulled. However, it is very important to follow the dentist’s recommendation for aftercare during this time. Generally, there will be some pain, swelling and you may locate some bleeding at the surgical site during the first two days after the operation. However, all the symptoms discussed above should reduce gradually, provided you receive proper care and attention implying that you can return to your normal activities.
One must understand that the full recovery process is always different for everyone. Therefore, while some may be feeling better after two days, others may take slightly longer to recover. The recovery process depends on some factors like general health, the degree of the extraction procedure, and adherence levels to The aftercare process.
Immediate Aftercare Tips
The immediate postoperative period, or the first 24 hours after the surgery, are critical in the subsequent healing process. Here are some essential dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
Dos for the First 24 Hours
Bite on Gauze to Stop Bleeding
Following the procedure, your dentist will apply gauze pads over the extraction sites to help with the clotting process. Applying pressure on the part that has been bleeding, take a gauze and bite it for about 30-45 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop after a few minutes, remove the gauze and switch it with a new one then apply pressure. A little pink color or some oozing or slight bleeding for the first one to two days is enough, but if you observe a bloody spit, then it’s important that you consult the dentist.
Apply Ice Packs to Reduce Swelling
Inflammation is a known side effect with most wisdom tooth extractions, as well. To reduce inflammation, place a cold pack or an ice bag to the affected cheek for up to 20 minutes then remove it for another 20 minutes till the extraction is done. This could help alleviate inflammation and pain. Always ensure you put a thin towel covering the ice pack to avoid having a direct touch on the skin.
Take Prescribed Medications as Directed
Tissue inflammation may be alleviated with pain medications that a dentist may recommend; antibiotics will prevent infection. These medicines can be safely used when taken according to the dosage that is recommended by a doctor. You should contact your dentist if you have an allergic reaction that includes nausea, vomiting, or rash. Also, you have to inform your dentist about any other medication that you are using or taking supplements since you might have an interaction with the medication you are using.
Don’ts for the First 24 Hours
Avoid Rinsing Your Mouth Vigorously
Even as you desire to keep the extraction site clean by rinsing your mouth, doing so with a lot of force can shift the clot formed in the socket. It is important to have this blood clot so that the necessary preparation can be made in the vessel. As for the first day, do not rinse your mouth at all, for the next two days, rinse your mouth gently. Then, warm salt water rinsing using a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of warm water should be done several times a day to help heal the sores as well as for better oral breath.
Do Not Use Straws
Drinking through a straw makes your mouth make a vacuum that may lead to the removal of the clot with results to dry socket. Dry sockets happen when a clot is lost before a new clot can form, thus, the exposed tends to be nerve endings and bone. This can bring a lot of pain and slow the rate of recovery. Do not use straws for at least one week after the procedure so that the extraction site will heal correctly.
Refrain from Smoking or Drinking Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol must be avoided since they have adverse effects on the body and delays the healing process. Smoking leads to introduction of toxic substances and decreases blood circulation around the area of extraction and it takes a long time to heal and is prone to infection. Alcohol would inhibit medication and increase blood thinning chances, hence hindering the recovery process because of dehydration. Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption for at least 72 hours after your procedure and preferably longer to help the healing process.
Diet Recommendations
Dos for Eating and Drinking
In the first few days after your procedure, it is recommended that you take easily chewable foods such as smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup. These foods are rich in nutrients and beneficial to the body, while not applying much pressure to the extraction site. When the wound is well healed, start incorporating semi-soft foods in your diet, again being keen not to use the area near the extraction site for chewing. Get plenty of fluids, but do not consume carbonated beverages or sweets as these substances contribute to the formation of caries and irritation of the healing tissue.
Don’ts for Eating and Drinking
Do not eat foods that are hard, crunchy, chewy, sticky or hot which can cause pain to the extraction site or get stuck in the socket. These include popcorns, nuts, seeds, and chips. Also, avoid taking hot products or spicy foods because these are likely to cause further discomfort and affect the healing process. Avoid eating until the food has reached a comfortable temperature for consumption. When drinking, don’t swish the liquid around in your mouth, as this can dislodge the blood clot.
Managing Pain and Swelling
Dos for Pain and Swelling
Use pain relievers which can easily be purchased from a local store such as paracetamol or ibuprofen depending on the doctor’s prescription. These medications can also help the person reduce inflammation. There should be adherence to keeping the site cold and applying cold compress frequently in the first 48 hours because of the swelling. After that, you have to use warm compresses to help increase the blood flow and bring new blood flow to the area that has been injured. If your dentist has given you something stronger for the pain, take such medication as advised and avoid taking more of it.
Don’ts for Pain and Swelling
Do not take more pain relievers than prescribed because they may cause such side effects as nausea, vomiting, or liver toxicity. Additionally, make sure you do not heat the area as this will only exacerbate swelling in the first 48 hours. If there is extreme pain or inflammation in the area, which does not subside even with medication and following the home remedies, consult a dentist since it might be a sign of a complication.
Signs of Complications
Dos for Monitoring Recovery
You should monitor for symptoms of infection for which you should call your dentist; these include severe pain, swelling, fever or presence of new pus from the extraction site. Such signs may be a sign of a bacterial infection, which if left causes more harm to the body. One should consult the dentist if any of these signs are observed. Also, make sure to go for all follow-up appointments to check on the progress of the healing in case of any issue.
Don’ts for Complications
Persistent pain, swelling or any sign of the unusual symptoms should not be neglected as they may be signs of complications such as dry socket or infection. During dry socket, the clot present in the socket is dislodged and this causes the nerve ending and the bone to be exposed. This can cause severe pain, which may spread to the ear, eye, neck or any other part of the body. You should see your dentist if you think you have a dry socket since it needs to be treated immediately. Failing to seek treatment may result in worsening of the problem such as infection or prolonged periods of recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Recovery Typically Take?
It generally takes 3-7 days for patients to heal after having their wisdom teeth removed. But it takes one to two weeks for the area where the tooth was extracted to heal and for the soreness or inflammation to disappear. Make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions on aftercare and go for a follow-up appointment to check on your wound. If your extraction is more complicated, or if you have other health issues, you may take longer to recover. Your dentist can give you more appropriate advice depending on the nature and severity of your case.
What Are the Common Side Effects?
Some of the symptoms that are associated with a wisdom tooth extraction include swelling, pain and slight bleeding. These symptoms are commonly noticeable in the first 24-48 hours and improve slowly as the days pass. These side effects can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers and a cold compress. There are other possible side effects relating to bruising, stiffness of the jaw and temporary numbness of lip, tongue and cheek where the nerves have been injured. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own after a few days to up to one week.
When Should I Resume Normal Activities?
Most of the time, you can resume your normal activities after several days from the procedure, however you should be careful and avoid any form of strenuous activities until you notice that your body is able to handle them. In the majority of cases, most individuals can go back to work or school within 2-3 days but the period depends on the difficulty of the extraction. Do not perform physical work that entails exercises, lifting heavy objects or bending over for at least 72 hours as such activities may raise pressure and cause more swelling or bleeding. Slightly increase the activity level as you begin to get better and rest if you feel some pain or discomfort.
Conclusion
It is important to adhere to the dos and don’ts that are recommended when you have your wisdom teeth pulled out. To reduce the risk of having complications after the treatment, it is important to follow your dentist’s aftercare advice, reduce pain and swelling, and watch what you eat.
Importance of Following Aftercare Instructions
It is crucial always to know that everyone heals at his and her pace, and variety is key to taking enough time to avoid more harm. If you try to get back to life as usual too fast, you may find that you are back at square one, or even worse. In the course of your recovery, if you have any issues or further queries to make, you should consult your dentist. They are present to provide you with all the assistance that you might require for the best result of healing.
Ensuring a Smooth and Safe Recovery
If you pay much attention and take proper precautions, then you should not have many problems once the wisdom tooth has been extracted. Following the guidelines offered in this article, brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly, you’ll soon get your life back to normal. Note that even with simple injuries, just a little more attention and time spent on rehabilitation will help to avoid the development of complications in the future.
