Not everyone develops wisdom teeth, but if they do, they usually make their appearance in the late teens or early twenties. In many cases, when they protrude from the gums, they’re not properly aligned, and the patient will need wisdom teeth removal.
Misalignment can cause an impacted wisdom tooth, making it difficult to brush your teeth effectively. This can be a daunting prospect for patients, especially if you’re concerned about the oral and maxillofacial surgery process and proper aftercare.
The expert team at Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester breaks down the dos and don’ts of proper aftercare and what to expect during wisdom tooth extraction procedures.
Here Are The Dos
The most important aspect to remember during any oral surgery recovery is to allow your mouth to heal properly. If you do not follow your oral surgeon’s instructions, it may take longer for proper healing after wisdom teeth removal.
Keep Your Head Up
Keeping your head slightly elevated will help reduce swelling, which will promote a quick and easy recovery.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
It will be helpful to use a salt water or a prescription gargle solution to keep your mouth clean. Your oral surgeon will tell you how to gently gargle and how often.
Get Plenty of Rest
Clear your schedule and put your feet up for a few days. You don’t need to remain in bed but find a space you feel is relaxing and invest in a little self-care.
Liquid or Soft Diet
Stick to food that you don’t need to chew much. This may mean steering clear of meat and firm vegetables for a few days.
Some examples of foods we recommend include mashed potatoes, soup, yogurt, smoothies, milkshakes, pudding, and cooked grain cereals or soft pasta are all acceptable menu options. It’s also important to make sure food and liquids are not too hot.
Chew Selectively
When you can reintroduce solid foods back into your diet, don’t disturb the extraction site. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth as much as possible.
Stay Hydrated
In addition to your liquid or soft diet, make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Don’t Skip Pain Medication Doses
It’s important to stay ahead of any potential pain after your procedure. Staying on top of your pain management is far more effective than trying to overcome the pain later.
Control The Bleeding
Biting down on the gauze will increase pressure and help stop any residual bleeding following wisdom teeth extraction.
Brush Lightly
On day two after your procedure, you can resume your twice-daily brushing schedule but avoid the affected area.
Decrease Swelling With Ice Packs
Using ice packs on your cheeks during the first 48 hours following your procedure will reduce the swelling and relieve any surface pain. Keep applications to fifteen-minute increments with a ten-fifteen-minute break in between the applications.
Let’s Review The Don’ts
Here are a few activities and practices you should avoid after wisdom tooth removal:
Skip The Straw
You need to stay hydrated but remember to avoid straws during recovery. The sucking function can jeopardize the blood clotting that naturally occurs at the extraction site.
Don’t Be A Chatterbox
Avoid long conversations directly after your procedure. It’s important to keep your face from working too hard right away.
Avoid Sticky, Solid, Crunchy, or Chewy Foods
Avoid foods that could get stuck in the tooth socket or puncture your sensitive gums.
No Aspirin
This medicine is a blood thinner and can negatively impact your natural clotting process. Ask your oral surgeon for specific instructions regarding your blood thinners.
Don’t Rinse Aggressively
Avoid aggressive rinsing or at-home water flossing devices during recovery, as increased pressure can prolong the healing process.
What To Expect At Dental Implants & Periodontal Health
Wisdom tooth extraction can be a simple and pain-free procedure. At Dental Implants & Periodontal health of Rochester, we prioritize patient comfort and aftercare preparedness.
Our oral surgeon will administer a local anesthetic during the procedure to keep patients at ease. Simple extractions are administered when the tooth has already broken through the gums and can easily be removed.
If your wisdom tooth is still below the surface, you’ll need a surgical extraction. After administering a local anesthetic, the surgeon will use specialized dental instruments to remove the tooth. Then they will gently stitch up the affected area.
Once wisdom tooth extraction is done, your oral surgeon will have you bite down on a piece of gauze at the extraction site.
Our team will ensure that a clot has already begun to form when your procedure is over, which usually takes just a few minutes. Then you’re set to go home with detailed aftercare instructions and emergency contact information.
Call Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester For Wisdom Teeth Removal In Rochester!
Schedule a consultation with the highly qualified and professional oral surgeons and periodontists at Dental Implants & Periodontal Health for your upcoming wisdom teeth removal. 585-685-2005
