Third molar extraction is one surgery many people go through to avert complications resulting from impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth. It does not usually take long, the surgery is often performed under local anaesthesia. Several precautions might be taken before the surgery, adequate care must be taken after the surgery to have a good wound healing.
Correct wisdom teeth removal aftercare not only speeds up the healing process, but minimizes the risk of getting complications such as infections, dry sockets, and constant pain.
In this blog, an all-inclusive guide on how you care for your mouth after the surgery will be discussed. With this article, therefore, the necessary information about aftercare that can significantly affect the recovery will be provided for those who recently underwent the procedure or planning to have the procedure soon.
Immediate Care after Surgery
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Control Bleeding
After surgery your dentist will apply a gauze over the site of extraction for some time. Apply gentle pressure on the gauze to have a bite on it and to stop bleeding. There are cases where you will need to change the gauze after every 30 – 45 minutes. Consuming alcohol within the first 24 hours is discouraged because spitting or rinsing can cause the blood clot that forms in the socket to become dislodged and a dry socket results. -
Apply Cold Compress
Inflammation or swelling is among the regularly experienced side effects of having the teeth removed, particularly the wisdom teeth. To minimize inflammation avoid touching your face and apply an ice pack or cold towel to the cheek area for a maximum of 20 minutes in the first 24 hours. It also helps in reduction of inflammation and also relieves pain. -
To avoid putting effort on any part of the human body, limit physical activities.
It is recommendable to avoid much movement during the initial days after the surgery of the wisdom teeth extraction. Do not exercise, lift heavy objects or bend over, as all of these will put pressure on the extraction site and lead to some bleeding.
Diet Tips for Smooth Recovery
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Soft Foods
Stick to soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as:
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Mashed potatoes
Soup which should be warm, but after serving ensure they are cold.
These foods will not cause any inflammation or problems around the area of the extraction site, thus would probably reduce pain and general healing time.
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Hard, Crunchy or Hot Foods
Also, eliminates foods that we have to chew a lot or foods that we find very hard to swallow. Strenuous activities such as eating hard crunchy foods for instance; nuts, chips and popcorn are likely to displace the clot and therefore slow the healing process. Furthermore Hot food and hot liquid should not be touched with your fingers, they may cause more irritations. -
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is crucial, but do not drink through a straw since the pressure created has the potential to remove the blood clot formed at the extraction site resulting in a dry socket. However you must drink water using a cup or a bottle.
Oral Hygiene During Recovery
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Gentle Rinsing
Avoid washing your mouth, or even using mouthwash for the initial 24 hours after the wisdom teeth removal. And after that, you can rinse with a water and salt solution – 1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water to avoid getting an infection at the site of the wound. -
Brush Carefully
You have to go ahead and brush your teeth but very carefully where the extraction was done. Do not brush directly on the area of the operation for the initial seventy-two hours. For the neighbouring teeth and your tongue, it is recommended that you use a soft bristle toothbrush.
Managing Pain and Swelling
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Taking Prescription
Pain Medicines Most of the time, your dentist may prescribe you with pain relievers or suggest you over the counter medications to deal with the pain. Read them slowly and use the medicine according to the prescription. -
Elevate Your Head
Any time the patient is lying down or sleeping choice must be made to use pillows to ensure that the head is raised for a reduction in swelling. This can also help control pain level and minimizes bleeding in the patient.
What Not to Do After Your Wisdom Teeth Have Been Removed
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A common vice is smoking or use of tobacco products.
Smoking has always been known to be hazardous to the health of the mouth for it leads to delayed healing, infection, and sometimes dry socket. Do not smoke or use tobacco products for at least 72 hours after any surgery has been administered. -
Alcohol Consumption
If you will be taking a pain medication, do not take alcohol for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Alcohol breaks the body’s healing process and might prolong the cases of bleeding. -
Strenuous Activity
As strenuous activities lead to elevated blood pressure and may cause postoperative hemorrhage, patients are advised to rest for the first few days.
When to Consult Your Dentist
- In the case where the bleeding is profuse after the twenty-four hours liquids should not be reintroduced into the stomach.
- Persistent pain which cannot be relieved by drugs
- Symptoms of contagious illness (fever, chills, or inflammation).
- Bitter or metallic taste in your mouth or discharge of pus from the site that the tooth was extracted.
Some of these symptoms may portray a complication, therefore early treatment is encouraged. And if you have been seeking a dependable clinic for efficient extraction of a wisdom tooth in Vizag, Sri Satya Dental’s team of WSM skilled Wisdom Teeth Removal dentists, will provide you with safe removal procedures and guidelines to take right after the surgery.
Wisdom teeth removal aftercare is critical to a pain-free process. Each stage practiced is very essential in prevention of the complications and ensuring the wounds heal as they suppose to. To avoid pain and accelerated healing, you should follow these aftercare tips.
Do you feel some pain while having your wisdom teeth or looking for a professional to remove your wisdom teeth in Vizag? Our specialists at Sri Satya Dental offer treatment and advice to make the operation as painless as possible and a speedy recovery. Give us a call today to arrange an appointment and begin your journey to a healthier mouth.
