Wisdom teeth are sort of like an unwanted dinner guest—you may not have asked for them, but once they’ve showed up, it can be a little bit of a challenge to delicately extract them from the situation.
Wisdom tooth removal is the most invasive dental treatment that the average person is likely to deal with, which is why if you have one coming up, you may not feel ready to deal with the aftercare.
Don’t worry—so long as you take things one step at a time, you should be able to heal from wisdom tooth surgery in no time. If you want to know more about how to handle the procedure, here’s what you should do to recover as quickly as possible.
Avoiding Suction after Wisdom Tooth Surgery
One of the most important aspects of wisdom tooth surgery aftercare is maintaining the position of the clot that’s forming in the area of the extraction. This clot protects the sensitive bone and nerve tissue, preventing them from being exposed to the outside.
When your mouth generates suction, it has the potential to pull the clot out of place, creating an uncomfortable condition known as dry socket. For that reason, it’s important not to spit vigorously, smoke, use a straw, or do anything else that could create suction in the mouth.
Taking it Easy After Wisdom Tooth Surgery
Immediately after the procedure is completed, you’re likely to have some residual bleeding that you have to manage. This is usually done with a small wad of gauze that you change periodically, and if you’re thorough, any bleeding should fade after a few a days.
However, vigorous exercise can increase blood flow to the mouth, causing bleeding to intensify. For that reason, it’s strongly recommended that you refrain from vigorous exercise for a few days after the surgery, and take a few days off of work if your job involves manual labor.
Managing Wisdom Tooth Surgery Discomfort
Your dentist is likely to prescribe you pain medication after your wisdom tooth extraction, so the first step is to use that as directed. Make sure not to take any more than what you’ve been prescribed and to follow the dosage instructions exactly.
If you find that you need a little bit of extra comfort, you can also make use of a cold compress, applying it for around 20 minutes at a time for the first few days. After that, you may actually benefit more from a warm compress to bring down swelling, so you can try using a warm washcloth against your cheek if you’re uncomfortable.
About Our Practice
At Celebration Family Dental of Carrollton, we aren’t your typical dental office—when you visit our practice, you’ll be treated with a level of respect that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Even before you get the care that you need, you’ll feel happy that you chose a dental office that genuinely cares about you and your oral health.
If you have any questions about wisdom teeth, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (469) 694-3766.