Tips for Wisdom Tooth Extraction Aftercare
A can be daunting for many; however, rest assured that modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of tools that makes the procedure safe and efficient. Even so, a wisdom tooth extraction can make for a pretty lengthy and involved recovery process. Thankfully, there are a lot of ways to make the process easier and more bearable.
Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction
Outlined below are a few tips from a general dentistry practice regarding the aftercare process for wisdom tooth extraction.
Eat soft foods
When recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction, it is a good idea to eat soft foods and limit anything hard, chewy, or sticky. Foods that are soft will be easier to chew, as the entire mouth will be very sensitive and sore. Some general dentists even recommend a liquid diet for a day or two while the swelling and inflammation go down. Regardless, it is still important to eat a healthy diet; however, adjusting for a couple of days to easier-to-consume foods is smart.
Avoid physical activity
Immediately after a wisdom tooth extraction, patients should avoid physical activity for at least two to three days. When the wisdom teeth are extracted, the entire body unfortunately feels the effects. In order to promote healing in the mouth, the entire body needs to rest and take it easy. Strenuous activities can result in longer recovery times, which can draw out swelling and pain.
Do not smoke
Smoking is one of the worse things that a patient can do when recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction. Smoking can cause dry sockets, which is the result of inhaling too much air while open wounds are still healing. It can be very painful and result in recovery times of up to two months. Additionally, smoking is bad for one's oral health, and it can do long-term damage to the soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity.
Use ice or cold compresses
There will be swelling within the mouth, especially near the wisdom tooth extraction site. To remedy swelling and inflammation, it is recommended to use an ice pack or a cold compress while recovering. The cold sensation can help reduce swelling and even promote healing.
Take pain medications
There will likely be a fair amount of discomfort after a wisdom tooth extraction, which is why it is necessary to take pain medications. Some may be prescribed and should be taken with caution and according to instructions. If there were not any prescribed then it is recommended to take an over-the-counter pain reliever with food and a lot of fluid.
Find out more about wisdom tooth extraction
When looking to learn more about the recovery process after wisdom tooth extraction, it can be helpful to consult with a general dentist. Further tips can be discussed and questions can be answered, both of which can be useful in preparing for the procedure. Reach out today to learn more or to get started with an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://atlantapamperedsmiles.com or call Pampered Smiles at (404) 891-9489 for an appointment in our Atlanta office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: .
Recent Posts
Over the years, tooth extraction has become more seamless than it once was. Many advancements have been made, which make the procedure more comfortable and less painful. However, it still helps to know what to expect so you can prepare.Getting a tooth extracted is not as scary as most think. In fact, most extractions only…
Tooth extraction is one of the most common procedures in dentistry. This article discusses extraction aftercare guidelines to follow to achieve optimal recovery. Complications after a tooth extraction are rare but possible. The common ones include bleeding, dry sockets, and infection. Post-operative care is important to avoid these complications.The body starts healing immediately after the…
If the dentist has recommended a tooth extraction, it is probably the only way to restore oral health. This may happen if the tooth has suffered severe structural damage, and a restoration option like crown or root canal treatment would not be enough to save the tooth. Post-tooth extraction care is essential for quick healing…
General dentists, like any dental professional, strive to help patients keep all of their natural teeth. However, tooth extraction may be the only solution when gum disease becomes severe. A dentist can perform this oral health-saving procedure and recommend options to restore fullness to a patient's smile.Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an oral health…