Wisdom Tooth Extraction is a common procedure many people need. Whether it is due to crowding, impaction, or potential oral health concerns, removing these third molars is often necessary to maintain a healthy and pain-free smile. However, while the dental professionals carefully perform the procedure,
Our best dentist in Plano can extract your wisdom teeth the same day if you are suffering pain and have an emergency dental need.
After the extraction do’s and don’ts tips can significantly impact the healing process and determine whether your wisdom tooth extraction aftercare post-surgery experience is smooth or has complications.
Do’s After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
After Wisdom tooth extraction, You should follow your dentist’s instructions to prevent infections, smooth and quick recovery. Here are the specific “dos” to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery –
1. Follow Post-Operative Instructions
Listen carefully to your oral surgeon or dentist’s instructions about post-operative care. They may provide specific guidelines based on your situation, including what to do and what not to do to ensure that your recovery process goes smoothly. If you have any questions about recovery, please feel free to ask. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to avoid complications and promote rapid healing.
2. Bite The Gauze Gently
Gently bite the gauze pad in the surgical area for 30-45 minutes. This helps form blood clots and reduces bleeding. If bleeding continues, replace with new gauze and bite gently on the gauze for 30 minutes. Pressure helps stop bleeding by promoting the formation of blood clots. Remember, the formation of a proper blood clot is crucial as it protects the wound and initiates the healing process.
3. Use Ice Pack
Place the ice pack on the outside of your face for 20 minutes and then 20 minutes off during the first 24 hours. Ice packs can help reduce swelling and numb the area, thereby relieving pain. Swelling usually peaks around 48 hours after surgery, so consistent use of ice packs during the first day can have a dramatic effect. Always wrap ice packs in a cloth to avoid frostbite.
4. Take Prescription Medications
Take prescribed pain relievers and antibiotics as directed by your oral surgeon or dentist. Painkillers can help relieve discomfort and make your recovery more tolerable. When antibiotics are prescribed, they can prevent infection. Even if you feel fine, take a full course of antibiotics to ensure that any possible infection is completely eradicated.
5. Pay Attention To Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean to prevent infection is important. But, avoid gargling, spitting, or touching the surgical area for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day, especially after meals. This helps keep the area clean and reduces the risk of infection. For a salt water rinse, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Avoid commercial mouthwashes as they may contain alcohol or other ingredients that may irritate the extraction site.
6. Eat Soft Food
Soft foods to eat after tooth extraction for the first few days, such as yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, soup, applesauce, scrambled eggs, smoothies, oatmeal, and ice cream. These foods are easy to eat and will not irritate the extraction site. Avoid hot foods and drinks as they can increase swelling and delay healing. As you recover, you can gradually increase your intake of solid foods, but continue to avoid any foods that require a lot of chewing or are hard crunchy foods or sticky.
7. Stay Hydrated
Keeping yourself hydrated is crucial after a tooth extraction. However, make sure to avoid using straws as the suction can dislodge the blood clot, which can delay the healing process. Drinking enough water will help your body heal faster and keep your mouth clean. Sipping water throughout the day is an excellent habit, but be careful not to disturb the surgical site by vigorously swishing.
8. Take Enough Rest
It’s essential to take some time off and rest for a few days after the surgery. Strenuous activities can cause bleeding and slow down the healing process. Resting allows your body to channel its energy towards healing. You can also reduce swelling by elevating your head with pillows when lying down. Try to avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects as it can cause pressure in your head and lead to bleeding.
9. Be Gentle With Your Mouth
When it comes to your mouth, it’s crucial to be gentle. Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or touching the extraction site with your tongue or fingers. Doing so can disrupt the healing process and cause the blood clot to dislodge, leading to dry socket, which is a painful condition. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth and avoid the surgical area.
10. Attend Follow-Up Appointments
It is vital to attend all follow-up appointments with your dentist or oral surgeon to monitor the healing progress. They can provide you with additional tips and advice to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. After undergoing oral surgery, it’s crucial to take proper care of the surgical site to ensure a successful recovery. If necessary, your dentist can remove any stitches and provide further guidance on how to care for your surgical site. In case of severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection such as fever or pus, contact your dentist immediately.
Irrespective of the reasons for wisdom tooth extraction, following these dos can reduce the risk of complications and ensure a more comfortable recovery experience.
Don’ts After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
There are certain things to avoid after tooth extraction is necessary to manage wisdom tooth extraction pain and discomfort. Here are the “don’ts” after you must remember –
1. Don’t Disturb The Clot Or Surgical Site
The blood clot that forms at the surgical site is crucial for proper healing as it protects the underlying bone and nerve endings. To ensure the clot remains intact, avoid activities that could dislodge it, such as sucking on straws, forceful spitting, or aggressive rinsing. Dislodging the clot can lead to a painful condition called dry socket, which can delay healing. Therefore, be gentle with your mouth and follow all post-operative care instructions carefully.
2. Don’t Smoke Or Use Tobacco Products
Smoking or using any tobacco products after surgery can significantly delay the healing process. This is because smoking reduces blood flow to the gums and surgical area, increasing the risk of complications such as infection and dry socket. The chemicals in tobacco can also interfere with the body’s ability to heal and can irritate the surgical site. Therefore, it’s best to refrain from smoking or using any tobacco products for at least a week after surgery.
3. Don’t Consume Alcohol
It’s important to steer clear of alcohol for at least 24 hours following the procedure. Alcohol can impede the healing process and negatively interact with prescribed medications, especially painkillers and antibiotics. Consuming alcohol can also increase bleeding and swelling, which can lead to complications. So, it’s best to give your body the time and space it needs to heal without any interference from alcohol.
4. Don’t Eat Hard And Crunchy Foods
You should be mindful of the foods you eat in the first few days after surgery. Spicy, hard, crunchy, or sticky foods should be avoided as they can irritate the surgical site or get stuck in the wound. Foods like chips, nuts, popcorn, and candy require vigorous chewing and can dislodge the blood clot, which can slow down the healing process. Sticky foods like caramels or chewy candies can also create irritation, while spicy foods can cause discomfort and swelling in the sensitive area.
Instead, opt for soft foods after surgery that won’t cause any harm to the surgical site. Foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, pudding, applesauce, smoothies, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, oatmeal, and soft fruits like bananas and avocados are great options. These foods are easy to swallow, gentle on the stomach, and won’t cause any complications or discomfort. By sticking to a soft food diet for a few days, you can help your body heal faster and get back to your normal routine.
5. Avoid Dairy Products For Better Health
Dairy items can increase the risk of infection, thus it’s usually advised to avoid them after wisdom teeth extraction. Milk and yogurt, among other dairy items, contain germs that may impede the healing process of the surgical site. Dairy items may also leave a sticky aftertaste in the mouth, which might promote bacterial development and disrupt the blood clot that develops at the extraction site.
For the underlying bone and nerves to recover properly and to be protected, this blood clot is essential. Therefore, no dairy after tooth extraction helps ensure a smoother and safer recovery.
Everyone’s healing process can vary, so it’s essential to follow your dentist’s specific instructions and guidelines tailored to your situation.
Contact us for painless emergency wisdom tooth extraction
Don’t let wisdom tooth pain hold you back! Call us today at (972) 801-2788) to schedule your consultation with emergency extraction dentists!
With our personalized care and advanced techniques, you can expect quick relief and a seamless recovery.
Our experienced dentists at Pinnacle Dental, will assess your situation, discuss your options, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
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