Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare
Wisdom teeth removal; something that many grown adults fear, however, it is vitally important to pay close attention to wisdom teeth removal aftercare to avoid complications to the procedure. If you have never had any teeth removed, you may be anxious about the procedure. Even if you have had teeth removed before, you might have heard that wisdom teeth are more troublesome because of when they occur in life and the awkward position in the mouth. A number of people will need wisdom teeth removed and the procedure itself is painless as your mouth is numbed.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare – Oral Hygiene
The most important aspect of wisdom teeth removal aftercare is oral hygiene. Keeping the mouth clean will reduce the risk of infection to the mouth. The first day after the surgery, it is advisable to be gentle with your mouth cleansing routine. Minimal brushing over the affected area and very gentle rinsing will prevent the healing scab over the wound from reopening. Wisdom tooth removal leaves you liable to bleed from the mouth for a while, but if this persists for more than a few days, see your doctor or dentist. You will have surgical gauze in the mouth for the first 30 minutes after surgery where the most blood will be produced.
In order to aid the healing process, it is important to take it easy and eat well. If you can arrange a day off work, do so; if your job involves driving or the operation of heavy machinery, you should take a couple more days. The anesthesia from the procedure will leave you groggy, as will some pain medications.
Eating well aids the healing process. Though it may be uncomfortable, taking care to avoid the surgical area will help avoid this. Soft foods like bread and soup of a moderate temperature are the best foods after surgery. Because of the local anesthetic in your mouth, you may find that you have chapped lips and a dry throat that makes swallowing uncomfortable. Some carbonated soft drink can help ease the throat problem – preferably low in sugar. Alcohol should be avoided at all costs. It can cause pain and interfere with the pain medications prescribed.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare – Medication
As for wisdom teeth removal aftercare medication prescribes by the dentist, expect to be instructed in both pain medications and antibiotics. If you need stronger pain medication that the ones prescribed, make an appointment with the doctor or dentist. Antibiotics are important to prevent infection through the open wound – the mouth is particularly prone to this, as it is the place where food enters your body and therefore a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria.
Expect mild bruising around the mouth where your gums have swelled as a result of the surgery. Although it neither slows nor quickens the healing process, an ice pack will help reduce swelling and ease wisdom teeth pain a little. Freezable cooling packs work well as they are dry and take longer to lose their cold temperature. Resist the urge to fidget with the wound and you should be right as rain in no time at all.
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Dr Rippin
DS MS Cert. Ortho (New York), I qualified as a dentist in 1978 and completed a specialist Orthodontic training programme at the New York University College of Dentistry in 1984. I genuinely am interested in telling people about their teeth, answering their questions and ultimately solving their problems.
