Recovering from a wisdom tooth removal procedure can take time. It’s important you know how to care for your teeth and gums and help speed up the recovery period after surgery. We’ve collated some tips to help speed up the healing process and prevent gum disease or infection from occurring.
Be Mindful of What You Eat
After the procedure, you should avoid hot foods and beverages for the first three hours or at least until all the anaesthetic effects have worn off. The tooth sockets will need time to heal properly. Similarly, you will also need to give the stitches time to settle in. During the initial few weeks, stick to a soft diet and liquids.
It’s recommended you avoid chewing food at the back of your mouth where the stitches are present. You want to avoid dislodging the blood clot at the site of the extracted tooth with unnecessary interference. It may take up to a few months before you can resume to a normal diet, which is only possible when the stitches have all come out and there are no remaining signs of swelling.
If in doubt about the types of food you can eat following your treatment or if you’re unsure when to resume a normal diet, ask your dentist.
Rest as Much as Possible
After extracting your wisdom teeth, you may experience pain, swelling and some bleeding. If that’s the case, take any painkillers and or antibiotics as prescribed by your dentist to help relieve any discomfort.
Your recovery period can take anywhere between few days to a week. You should take it easy for the first few days, although in most cases, you can resume work, school or normal activity after the first day. As far as is possible, avoid that may cause interruptions to your mouth during the recovery period.
Salt Water Rinses
In the first 24 hours following the procedure, do not rinse your mouth at all. However, in the week to follow, you may do so. After every meal, you can rinse with a warm salt solution – a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water – to remove food particles from the socket. Besides cleaning the area, the salt helps to kill bacteria while serving as a natural painkiller. A salt rinse will also help to prevent any infections from developing.
Keep Your Head Elevated
For the first few days after the procedure, try to keep your head in an elevated position when you sleep. You can use pillows to help elevate your upper body as close to a 45-degree angle as possible. Whether you sit on a recliner or rest your upper body on layers of pillows, the idea is to find a comfortable position while elevating your head and shoulders above the level of your heart.
Book a Follow-up Appointment
Don’t forget to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to make sure that the wound has not been tampered with and is healing properly. The dentist would also be in the best position to check for any post-removal infection, or underlying conditions that may hinder the recovery process.
If you are considering Wisdom Tooth Removal or would like a preliminary evaluation, consult a professional dentist for advice and treatment. Contact Face Value Dental on (07 3221 0677 or visit our webpage https://www.facevaluedental.com/wisdom-teeth-removal-brisbane for more information. If you’ve just had your wisdom teeth removed, don’t forget to book your regular check-ups to ensure optimal oral care.