Wisdom tooth extractions are often necessary for a patient’s overall oral health. If the mouth has insufficient room to accommodate the third molars, their arrival can cause chronic pain or even push other teeth out of alignment. If you’ve undergone an orthodontic treatment before, it can be especially frustrating to see your teeth forced out of place by these emerging newcomers. If the wisdom teeth do not have enough room to erupt properly, they can become impacted, leaving them vulnerable to infection. Here are some tips on caring for your mouth after having them extracted.
Caring for the Wounds
You can expect some bleeding after having your wisdom teeth extracted, and it usually stops about twenty-four hours after the procedure. You can help stop the bleeding by placing a folded cotton gauze pad directly over the wound. Bite gently on the pad for about thirty minutes to help stop the bleeding and repeat as necessary. Change the pad out for a fresh one if needed.
Avoid chewing on the gauze as this will only disrupt the clotting process by stimulating saliva flow. Take special care not to bite your cheeks or lips while your mouth is still numb. Contact your dentist if the bleeding continues well into the next day.
Treating Swelling
Facial swelling and mild bruising are not uncommon after wisdom tooth extraction. In many cases, the swelling will reach its height about two to three days after the procedure. You can treat the swelling with ice packs by continuously holding them against the swollen areas. These ice packs will lose their beneficial effect after the first twenty-four to thirty-six hours.
Managing Pain
Your oral surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help keep you comfortable after surgery. Take them as directed. They may make you feel groggy and slow your reflexes, so do not operate machinery while taking them. Take special care to avoid alcoholic beverages. The pain should be at its worst for the first forty-eight hours after surgery, but it should decrease every day afterward. If this pain continues after the first two days, contact your dentist.
Eating While Recovering from Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Drink water regularly to prevent dehydration while recovering, but do not use straws as this can disrupt the healing process and lead to a severely painful condition known as dry socket. You will probably find eating tougher foods uncomfortable, so stick to soft foods like ice cream, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. It’s important to have a high intake of calories and protein while healing.
Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction may be unpleasant, but it will be the last trouble your third molars will ever give you. With proper care, your healing process will be briefer and less uncomfortable.
About the Author
Dr. Admasu Gizachew earned his dental degree from New York University before completing residencies at Bellevue, Gouverneur, NYU, and Coler-Goldwater hospitals. He proudly serves as a member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Eatontown, NJ offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to wisdom tooth extractions. For more information on wisdom tooth extraction aftercare, contact his office online or dial (732) 863-3899.