11 Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Tips

If you find insufficient jaw space in your mouth, wisdom teeth removal in Salt Lake City, UT is necessary. It nearly takes two weeks to recover from the procedure. However, if your wisdom teeth have impaction, it may take longer. While your mouth heals, you may have swollen cheeks and mouth. The time it takes to eliminate the wisdom tooth relies on the complexity of the procedure and the tooth.

Recovery Tips After Wisdom Tooth Pulling

Read on to know the best tips to ensure a smooth recovery:

Bite on the Gauze Pad to Stop Bleeding

To manage bleeding from the extraction area, the dentist will ask you to bite down on the gauze pad for nearly five minutes. But make sure you do it gently to avoid disturbing the wound.

Prefer a Nutritious Diet

Manage your swelling and minimize the risk of complications by sticking to nutrient-packed meals after emergency wisdom tooth removal. But choose easy-to-chew and soft foods varieties like avocados, mashed veggies, blended soups, etc.

Take Proper Rest

To make your body heal speedily, rest as much as possible. Also, sleep for a minimum of 7 to 9 hours to minimize the risk of swelling. One study has confirmed that a good amount of sleep makes the healing process speedier.

Use Ice to Your Cheeks

For the initial 2 days after the surgical procedure, consistently apply an ice pack to the cheek area. It will decrease inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Massage Your Jaw

During the treatment, the doctor needs to keep the mouth open wide for longer. It leads to the locking of the jaw or temporary trismus. These conditions cause facial pain and sore or cramped muscles. Therefore, massaging your jaw will make you feel better and recover speedily.

Keep Your Head Elevated

When you lie flat on the bed after wisdom tooth removal, it increases the blood level near the wound. But keeping your head elevated while sleeping for the initial three days will help you recover successfully. To support your head, you can use an extra pillow.

Prevent Dry Socket

Sometimes, it is common for the dry socket to open after 2 to 3 days of tooth removal. This condition occurs mainly when you accidentally dislodge the blood clot formed in the surgical area. Blood clots are a crucial part of the healing process. It’s because they:

• Shield the exposed bone.
• Encourage the growth of new tissue.
• Prevent severe bleeding.
• Protect the wound from getting infected.

To prevent dry sockets, consider the following pointers.

• Use prescribed antibiotics.
• Refrain from smoking, drinking via a straw, or other activity that includes suction.
• Before putting the new gauze pads on the surgical site, soak them in water for a few minutes. Also, avoid eliminating the dry gauze pad while it’s dry because it might disturb the clot.
• Avoid eliminating the gauze pad till you are ready to replace it.
• Stay away from hard foods.

Keep Your Mouth Bacteria Free

After wisdom tooth extraction in Salt Lake City, UT, wash your mouth using a warm salt water solution. Do this for a minimum of 5 times a day, mainly after every meal. It is also essential to keep up with your dental hygiene routine – like brushing on the night of surgery. But be alert while doing this to avoid hurting the extraction area and nearby it.

Take One or Two Days Off from Your Work

Your mouth will feel numb for several hours after the procedure. Therefore, take someone with you to your tooth removal appointment. Doing this will get the required support if you are still dizzy.

If the dentist has used a sedative or general anesthesia, avoid driving for 1 to 2 days. Moreover, take one or two days off from your work to avoid stress.

Drink Coconut Water

To get relief from gum inflammation and ensure proper hydration, drink coconut water. It is also beneficial in refilling the electrolytes when you are not in a position to eat solid foods and stabilizing the sugar level in the blood.

Visit the Dental Office

When a patient is under general anesthesia or sedation, it is common to experience vomiting and nausea. You can manage it by taking medicine with food. However, if that condition stays for a long time, reach an expert at Warm Family Dentistry immediately.