For the many people who end up facing wisdom tooth removal after they’ve fully grown, the experience can be pretty scary to say the least. After all, this type of procedure can be painful, and you might even be looking at several weeks of recovery time and some very sore muscles afterward. Luckily, there are steps you can take beforehand to make things easier on yourself after your wisdom teeth are removed so that you can get back to living your normal life as soon as possible. For example, here are some tips on what to expect after wisdom tooth removal in order to ensure an easier healing process.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions Are Not Uncommon
Wisdom teeth are often referred to as third molars and represent one of several sets of molars that most people have. While wisdom teeth are not completely useless, they can cause a variety of issues including pain, infection and improper growth which is why many adults choose to have them removed. Unfortunately, tooth removal can lead to problems as well, so it’s important to know what might happen if you need an emergency dentist. By knowing in advance what could go wrong, you will be better prepared should something occur.
The Procedure Itself Is Relaxing
Get Plenty of Rest
You will likely feel exhausted after your surgery, so get plenty of rest! It’s important to take it easy and let your body heal. The earlier you reach out to us, the better we can care for you and help ensure a speedy recovery. But if you do experience any complications after your procedure, such as swelling or discomfort, call immediately—the sooner we treat you, the better! Please bring all of your medications with you when you arrive for treatment in our office. We are also happy to provide medicine from our pharmacy if needed.
Recovering in the Days Following Surgery
Even after you’ve healed from surgery, you may still have some minor pain or discomfort from wisdom tooth removal. Take ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) for mild swelling and soreness. As with any prescription painkiller, you should follow instructions on your bottle to avoid liver problems. If you can’t take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), ask your dentist if he has suggestions to help manage your discomfort. Warm salt water rinses can ease soreness in your mouth, as well as help with discomfort associated with dry mouth; try rinsing two or three times a day and see if it helps.
Take Painkillers as Directed by Your Dentist
It’s common to experience some soreness after your wisdom teeth are removed, so it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions and take painkillers as directed. You may also want to consider acetaminophen, which can be taken in larger amounts than aspirin and has a lower risk of stomach irritation. Other side effects to watch out for include: lightheadedness, diarrhea, drowsiness, restlessness or weakness. If you experience any of these symptoms when taking painkillers after wisdom tooth removal , call your dentist immediately. Acetaminophen can have severe side effects if you consume large amounts all at once—and because tablets are often scored into eight equal parts, it's all too easy to accidentally double up on a dose without realizing it.
Eat Soft Foods During Recovery
Your gums will be swollen and tender for a few days, so it’s important to eat soft foods during recovery. You can also help ease your discomfort by taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Sticking to a liquid diet is probably not necessary after wisdom tooth removal, but you should be sure to eat light and have frequent meals. This helps keep your stomach full, but not bloated with gas. If you experience severe swelling or if your wound hasn’t stopped bleeding after several hours of home care, call an emergency dentist immediately. Another common complication after wisdom tooth removal is an infection that causes redness, swelling and fever; these symptoms should also be treated by a professional immediately as they may lead to serious health issues in the future.
Avoid Alcohol, Sugar, Acidic Foods and Spicy Meals
The skin and bone around your oral cavity may feel tender and sore after surgery. You should avoid alcohol, sugar, acidic foods and spicy meals for a few days after your procedure to help prevent unnecessary pain. Don’t brush or floss until it is recommended by your dentist in order to reduce any chances of swelling or infection. However, if you need to remove food particles from your mouth try sucking on a popsicle stick. It’s natural for some swelling and bleeding to occur after a tooth extraction, but don’t be alarmed if you see pools of blood collecting in your mouth—this is normal as well.
Arrange for Help if Necessary
It’s unlikely that you’ll need to miss work following wisdom tooth removal, but it can be a good idea to arrange for some help at home if your dentist says you will. Depending on how much pain you’re in and your dentist’s instructions, it may be a good idea to have a family member or friend come by to make sure you don’t overexert yourself. Consider asking someone who can help with light household chores, such as laundry and dishes—you may not feel up to taking care of them right away. In addition, you might want to think about ordering takeout meals since cooking will likely be too painful while your mouth is healing.
Educate Yourself on Oral Hygiene
One of the best ways to deal with wisdom teeth problems is prevent them from happening in the first place. If you’re making an appointment for a consultation or follow-up after oral surgery, ask your dentist about how you can better maintain good oral hygiene. Make sure to brush twice a day, floss daily and get regular dental checkups to make sure that your teeth remain healthy and free of plaque build-up and other problems. If you have issues with bleeding gums after wisdom tooth removal, it could be because you’re not properly caring for your teeth post-surgery. Follow instructions carefully and try to improve on common mistakes that many people make when brushing their teeth (and flossing!) following a surgical procedure.
Keep a Clean and Dry Mouth
Here’s what you can do to keep your mouth clean and dry after a wisdom tooth extraction: Gently rinse your mouth with salt water. This will help remove excess blood and debris left in your mouth after surgery. Gargle a solution of salt water (half teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of warm water) at least three times a day. If you want, use some cotton swabs to gently wipe any dried blood from inside of your mouth. Be gentle—you don’t want to hurt yourself while cleaning out your mouth! Avoid chewing on anything solid for at least 24 hours post-op, including gum and ice. The main reason is that chewing solid foods can stimulate bleeding if you bite down on something rough.
