Tips to Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Removal
March 22, 2016Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure because many individuals do not have enough room for them; therefore, they become impacted. By the time adults reach the age of 17 to 25 wisdom teeth should start to come in. They are the last set of adult teeth to develop and are the third set of molars. An impacted wisdom tooth may grow in at the wrong angle so that it hits another tooth, at a right angle so that it lays flat against the bone, or straight in but with no room to completely come out of the gum line.
Image Credits Edward, CC BY-SA 2.0
If your wisdom teeth need to be removed you will most likely experience pain, tenderness, possible infection, gum inflammation, damage to nearby teeth if you wait too long to remove the wisdom teeth, cavities, etc.
Wisdom teeth removal in Miami, FL is fairly popular with numerous clinics offering the procedure. Dr. Martos does a fantastic job offering different sedation options making the process as easy as possible. Some tips to help you recover from wisdom teeth removal include the items outlined below.
- Plan Ahead
Make sure you take into consideration when you schedule your tooth extraction surgery. It is suggested that you schedule it around a weekend or a timeframe where you can have a few days off of work so that you can relax at home for recovery. You also need to have someone drive you home from the procedure because you will be under some sort of anesthetic or sedation. After the procedure you will most likely sleep for several hours until that wears off. You will need someone to stay with you until you are awake and can take care of yourself.
You may also what to make a quick trip to the grocery store. Get some soft foods for the next few days such as pudding or Jell-O. Your teeth and mouth will be very sensitive for a few days after the procedure.
- Rest
It will be important that you rest as much as you can after the procedure. Always make sure your head is elevated while you sleep or relax. Stay clear of any strenuous exercise for three or four days until you have a bit more energy. Your first day after the procedure you will definitely want to relax at home in bed. You may need to take some pain pills during the first few days; therefore, remember not to drive or operate any machinery while you are taking these.
- Oral Hygiene
It is highly important that you place oral hygiene at the top of your priority list after your surgery. Make sure you brush your teeth, just be careful around the wisdom tooth extraction sites. You will want to rinse your mouth with salt water starting 24 hours after surgery two to three times a day. While you are bleeding, continue to monitor the gauze packs in your mouth. Change those out every 30 minutes as needed.
- Diet
During the first day or so while you are still numb, avoid foods that are hot. It is also suggested that you stick to liquids and soft foods for the first few days until you can safely chew food. You will also need to avoid rice, nuts, popcorn, etc. until the sockets are completely healed to avoid infection and discomfort.
Under no circumstances should you be using a straw after your wisdom teeth extraction surgery. This is one of the surest ways to end up with a dry socket. Avoid this at all costs.
- Icing
If you have some swelling and pain persists, try icing the side of the check closest to the extraction site. This will reduce the pain and swelling associated with the incision.
There are a number of other things you can do to reduce the recovery time and heal faster, but these five tips are the most common. If you follow these five tips, you should have a much better time recovering that most others. It is important that you follow these so that you heal as quickly as possible. Good luck!
