Upon completion of wisdom tooth extraction, caring for yourself is of utmost necessity in speeding up the recovery process. The presence of a wisdom tooth can cause a lot of problems. The lack of proper space in the dental arch, limited jaw growth and improper position are reasons the wisdom tooth is not erupting properly. It appears in the late teens or early twenties. The dentist may recommend wisdom tooth removal, a major oral surgery, if the teeth are not aligned properly. For proper and quick healing to occur, you must follow the dos and don’ts after wisdom tooth removal.
Do’s after wisdom tooth extraction
Bite on the gauze pad
Once the wisdom tooth extraction is completed, a gauze pad will be placed on top of the surgical area for almost an hour. It should then be removed and discarded. However, if the bleeding does not stop or occurs again, you must bite on the gauze for the same period as earlier. Thus it would pressurize the wound and result in clot formation on the tooth extraction site. The bleeding will thus be stopped, and the healing begins. Ensure that you do not chew on the gauze pieces.
Relax and elevate your head
You may be at risk of losing the clot by doing strenuous activities or exercises. Doing so in the first 24 hours increases blood pressure, which will break the clot. Therefore, relax. Keep your head on the pillow’s elevated position. By placing the head above the heart level, the swelling can be reduced to a greater extent.
Apply ice packs on the face
Put an ice pack on the face, especially on the side where tooth extraction has been performed. It plays a crucial role in reducing both swelling and bruising. You may not feel swelling immediately after wisdom tooth extraction. However, the swelling could reach its maximum on the second or third day. Ice packs can be the most beneficial, especially if applied after wisdom tooth extraction. Applying the ice pack for 15 minutes every hour is desirable to reduce swelling.
Consume soft or liquid foods
Solid foods should be avoided till the time you have numbness in the mouth. Soups, yogurts, milkshakes and mashed potatoes are the best choices till the first 24 hours after wisdom tooth extraction.
Rinse with warm salt water
Saltwater helps keep the mouth and the extracted area clean so that hygiene can be maintained. Brushing the socket is not possible after extraction. Saltwater or saline is less irritating compared to water. Saline is similar to natural tissue fluid.
Take medicines as prescribed by the dentist
To prevent inflammation, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics that you must take regularly. Therefore you should not skip medications.
Don’ts after wisdom tooth extraction
Do not spit or use a straw
Spitting, using a straw or sucking a candy can dislodge the blood clot and result in bleeding. Therefore it is desirable to avoid spitting or using a straw to prevent the possibility of a dry socket.
Avoid brushing your teeth for the first 24 hours
Brush your teeth only on the second day after tooth extraction, and that too gently. It would be best if you still refrained from brushing the area where the wisdom teeth have been extracted since it can dislodge the clot. It can thus delay the healing process.
Avoid smoking and alcohol for the first 48 hours
It would be best if you did not drink alcohol or smoke after the wisdom tooth extraction since it could increase complications and delay the healing process. The presence of nicotine in tobacco products could impact the clot. Furthermore, even cigarettes or chewing gum having the presence of nicotine should also be avoided after the completion of wisdom tooth extraction.
Avoid coughing or sneezing
Discuss whether you have allergic conditions before the beginning of the procedure. It is not desirable to cough or sneeze as it can dislodge the clot due to the pressure involved.
Avoid hard and sticky foods
Foods that are hard, sticky and crunchy should be avoided since they might get stuck in the socket or could even irritate the wound. Thus dry sockets can be prevented, and good oral hygiene can also be maintained.
Avoid drinking hot beverages
Drinking and eating hot food and beverages could lead to an increase in swelling. Therefore you should allow the hot beverages such as tea to cool down so that it does not delay the healing process nor cause the clot to dislodge.
By following the instructions provided by the dentist, you can witness that the healing process takes place faster, and the risk of complications can also be eliminated.