Top Tips for a Speedy Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal

You're certain you're done losing teeth. Then your dentist tells you that your wisdom teeth need to be removed. Unlike baby teeth, wisdom teeth removal requires some work to heal.

Everyone's recuperation process differs slightly. For example, how your extraction went and how you were treated after surgery both have a significant impact on your recuperation time. Most patients recover after wisdom tooth extractions in around two weeks. However, there are things you may take to speed up the healing process.

Our dental clinic has an extensive understanding of post-oral surgery care. Our specialists have provided eight methods for speedier recovery, which are shown below.

Apply ice to swelling:

The aftermath of a wisdom tooth extraction can be painful and ugly. You may notice bruising and soreness in your cheeks or jaw.

To avoid frostbite, never put ice directly on your skin. You may be unable to tell whether you feel numb because the ice is providing relief or because it has been applied for an extended period. Instead, wrap the ice in a towel and you should eliminate it every 15 minutes.

Apply a hot compress:

If you don't have any ice, try using a hot compress to relieve discomfort and swelling. For example, with the ice pack, alternate between 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.

The heat will also decrease stiffness in the jaw and cheeks by increasing blood flow and reducing edema. Hot water bottles or heating pads are ideal, but a hot damp towel can also be beneficial. Aim for approximately 115°F (46°C), but always test and modify to your liking.

Sip beverages:

Most liquids should be avoided for a day or two following an oral treatment, such as tooth extraction. You can drink water to stay hydrated, but other beverages will interfere with recovery after wisdom teeth removal.

No matter what you drink after surgery, avoid using a straw. A blood clot is mandatory for the wound to heal properly, and straws can suck it away.

See the list below for times you can drink your favorite drinks without severely hurting healing:

Pop: 48 hours or more. The bubbles in pop and other carbonated beverages will remove a blood clot.

Coffee: 24 to 48 hours. If you can't go a day without your daily cup of coffee, opt for iced. Hot liquids might irritate and worsen the healing site.

Alcohol: 48 hours or more. You should not mix alcohol and pain relievers can be exceedingly hazardous. We recommend waiting till your pain medication is gone.

Acidic drinks: one week or more. Acidic beverages, such as orange juice or lemonade, will aggravate wounds and impede healing. Avoid anything containing a high concentration of citric acid.

Eat soft foods:

Now that you know what drinks you can have, let's talk about food alternatives. Your mouth and jawbone will most likely be sore for a few days after your treatment, but it's crucial to eat. You cannot heal properly without appropriate fuel.

Choosing soft meals will relieve pain when chewing and will not disturb stitches or blood clots. Avoid tiny foods, such as nuts and seeds, which might get stuck in sockets. Puree your favorite foods, or select some from the list below.

Smoothies

Blended soups and broth (cooled)

Scrambled eggs.

Apple sauce

Pudding

Apply pressure inside the mouth:

Bleeding usually ends within 4 hours of operation but might persist up to 24 hours. It is also very typical to experience oozing or spot bleeding in the two weeks following surgery. Applying gentle pressure with a gauze pad should be sufficient to stop the bleeding.

Simply wrap up and moisten a piece of gauze, then apply it on the extraction site. Bite lightly into the gauze pad for 45 minutes to an hour. Your dental facility should have plenty of gauze, but if you run out, you can use a teabag.

Soak a tea bag in hot water, squeeze off the excess, wrap it in gauze, and apply for 20 to 30 minutes. The tannins in black tea cause blood to clot (transform to a semi-solid state), which stops bleeding. Contact our office if the bleeding is significant.

Follow the directions for drugs:

This may sound simple, but it is something that most patients struggle with. Some patients have a higher pain threshold and can endure it with over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil. If that's the case, congratulations; follow the bottle recommendations until your discomfort subsides. However, other patients may require prescription pain relievers. Follow your dentist's instructions for stronger pain relievers.

Antibiotics are a very different story. They are prescription-only; there is no over-the-counter option, so the only instructions you should follow are from your dentist. The most common issue we notice when patients take antibiotics is that they do not finish them! Follow your dentist's instructions and finish the suggested dosage. If you stop taking antibiotics too soon, bacteria may develop resistance to them.

Maintain oral care as indicated:

Proper oral health depends on maintaining proper oral care routines. It is much more important after wisdom teeth removal. However, oral care after oral surgery is a little different from your normal practice. Check out our tips below.

Brushing: Some dentists allow gentle brushing the night following surgery, while others recommend waiting a day. Try to resume regular brushing as soon as you can without discomfort. Brush gently near the extraction spot.

Mouth Rinse*: After wisdom teeth removal, you should avoid using your regular mouthwash. The day following surgery, rinse with warm seawater. Do this 3–5 times a day, or after each meal.

Flossing can resume the day following surgery, but exercise caution near the extraction site. Spitting out water or toothpaste following wisdom tooth removal may result in dry sockets. Instead, allow liquids to fall out of your mouth and into the sink to avoid disrupting clot formation.

Rest is necessary for recuperation. Whether you're recovering from rigorous activity, accident, or oral surgery, our bodies conduct the majority of their mending while we sleep.

Getting enough sleep after surgery might be challenging in the first few days due to pain. Following your dentist's painkiller recommendations can help. Elevate your head with one or two pillows to decrease edema while sleeping.

For more information about wisdom teeth extraction, please get in touch with us.