Wisdom teeth are the final sets of molars on your teeth. When healthy and well aligned, they will be a great asset in your mouth. However, for some people that is not the case and they have to get their wisdom teeth extracted.
The extraction of a wisdom tooth is a critical surgical operation and must be done right otherwise you might have to grapple with more serious dental and painful consequences later on. There is usually a need to have them removed if there is overcrowding, risk of development of cavities, disease or infection.
Even more important is the post-operative care of wisdom teeth extractions. The aftercare will be key to quick and pain-free healing. While it is normal to experience some pain, discomfort or swelling after the tooth extraction, there are instances where these sensations may be severe. This usually happens if you haven’t followed you dentist advice on proper aftercare after the surgery. Here are some useful aftercare tips that you will need to incorporate after a wisdom tooth removal:
Managing Swelling
It is normal to expect a little swelling around the area where a tooth has been extracted. This will usually occur two to three days after the surgical procedure. However, the swelling is severe, you can reduce it by applying ice packs on your cheek right above the area where the tooth has been removed. Please keep in mind that this must be on the outside or externally. Don’t put the ice cubes inside your mouth. The ice cubes will help reduce the swelling and the discomfort.
Controlling the Bleeding
After the wisdom tooth has been removed, you might still experience some blood oozing out of the area. This is common if more than one wisdom tooth has been extracted from a particular area. The oral surgeon will put a gauze pad over the area to stop the bleeding. Ensure you maintain it in this position for at up to 30 minutes after the surgical procedure. To facilitate the clotting of the blood on the affected area, press the gauze pad lightly over the affected area by gently biting on it. To stop bleeding, ensure that the pressure from the gauze pad is being applied directly over the area where the tooth has been extracted. Sit upright and calm yourself down as this might help slow down the bleeding.
Managing the Pain
You might also experience some pain after the wisdom tooth removal. To relieve this, you might need to take prescription pain medication as directed by your doctor or oral surgeon. During the healing process, try to avoid driving or working close to vibrating or noisy machinery and avoid taking alcohol. Most pain and discomfort will be experienced within the first 24 to 48 hours after the surgical procedure. After this, the pain will begin to subside. If you are still experiencing sharp pain after this duration has elapsed, talk to your surgeon for further direction.
Diet after Wisdom Tooth Removal
After the sedation, stick to liquids avoid solid food. If you must eat solid food try soft foods such as soft vegetables and mashed potatoes. If you have to eat red meat, grind it in a blender in order to soften it. Chewing away hard food soon after the surgery may cause bleeding of the surgical sites. Drinks plenty during this time to avoid dehydration.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions
Your surgeon will no doubt give you more tips than we have provided here that will help ensure faster healing and less pain and discomfort. Follow these to the latter to ensure faster recovery.
