Aftercare Tips for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Dental extractions are like horror stories for children and adults; that’s why procedures like wisdom tooth removal seem intimidating for many. An impacted wisdom tooth can be painful, but modern dental surgery ensures the patient feels little-to-no distress throughout the procedure. 

Unfortunately, the discomfort often happens when patients go home. Without following proper aftercare tips, patients can experience unnecessary pangs of pain and higher risks of developing an infection. 

What Should You Do Immediately After Surgery?

1. Your dentist likely placed a gauze pad over the surgical area to protect the wound, so let it rest for half an hour before gently removing them. 
2. It will be tempting to rinse your mouth, especially when it tastes metallic due to the blood, but resist the urge since it can dislodge the newly formed blood clot on the surgical area.
3. As soon as the affected area starts to ache, take the pain medications prescribed by your dentist. 

In addition to indulging in ice cream without any guilt, we’re here to give some home care tips so you can have a speedy recovery after getting your wisdom tooth extracted. 

Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Home Aftercare Tips to Know 

Tip #1: If Bleeding Persists, Gently Bite on a Moistened Tea Bag 
Bleeding should stop roughly around thirty minutes after wearing the gauze pad, but if it persists, you can fast-track the way your body creates forms clots by gently biting on a moistened tea bag. Just like the gauze pad, it’s best to leave this on for thirty minutes and allow the tannic acid from the tea to contract the bleeding vessels. 

Additionally, try to lay down during those thirty minutes so you can further minimize the bleeding. Sitting upright can rush the blood on your face, causing it to flow out faster compared to a supine position. 

Tip #2: Plan Your Diet Weeks Before the Surgery 
You need to drink plenty of liquids and eat the right foods to help your body heal, but there are certain restrictions now that you’re dealing with a fresh wound. For starters, never drink liquids using a straw since the sucking motion can knock over the blood clot from the surgical area. 

Focus on dishes with high protein content and calories to promote faster healing and boost your immune system. Soft meals will be the main course as you recuperate, so avoid eating or drinking the following since they can undermine your healing: 

• Anything small and crunchy like cookies, crackers, nuts, and popcorn; 
• Anything spicy and acidic since they can irritate your sensitive gums; 
• Anything sticky or chewy that can pull open the extraction site;
• Anything hot or steamy since they can melt the protective clot on the surgical area;
• Any alcoholic beverages.

Tip #3: Be Ready to Apply an Ice Pack Regularly 
The inflammation on the incision site can cause painful swelling and bruising, so applying an ice pack can help soothe the irritation. This is because cold temperatures reduce the circulation to the area and constrict the blood vessels, leaving your surgical area more room to heal. Be ready to apply the ice pack in 20-minute intervals for the first few days!

The Bottom Line: Recovering from Wisdom Tooth Extractions 
Despite the daunting nature of surgical procedures like wisdom teeth removal, many people choose to undergo this dental treatment since it saves them from the painful complications that follow when the tooth grows poorly. 

With that in mind, you can achieve a smooth-sailing recovery at home so long as you follow your dentist’s advice and use the tips above to fill in any gaps. If you can’t control the pain despite taking the proper medication, rest, and food you need to recover, then it’s best to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible!

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