Wisdom teeth often have to be surgically extracted before they start causing oral health issues. It will take time to recover after the procedure, and during this period you’ll need to take good care of your mouth if you want to avoid unnecessary discomfort and minimize the risk of infection. Your oral surgeon will give you aftercare instructions that have been tailored to your situation, but in the meantime, here are some general tips for ensuring a smooth recovery following wisdom tooth removal.
Plan on Restricting Activity for a Few Days
It’s typically recommended to take at least two or three days off work for recovery after wisdom tooth extraction, especially if your job involves physical labor of any kind. You should also avoid any strenuous exercise during this time.
Keep Your Mouth as Clean as Possible
Oral hygiene is always important, but it becomes even more critical when you’re recovering from an extraction. You can brush your teeth the night following the surgery. Be very gentle when you’re brushing near the area where the extraction was performed. The day after your procedure, you can keep your mouth clean by rinsing with salt water at least 5 to 6 times a day.
Manage Your Discomfort with Medication
If you were prescribed any pain medication, take it as directed to keep your discomfort under control. Be aware of the side effects; some medications can make you feel groggy, so don’t plan on driving or operating heavy machinery afterward.
Use an Ice Pack to Reduce Swelling
Swelling is the body’s normal reaction to surgery, and you can typically manage it with an ice pack. Apply it against the side of your face over the area where the extraction was performed. Keep in mind that you should only put on an ice pack for 15 minutes at a time.
Maintain a Diet of Soft and Liquid Foods
While your mouth is healing, you should plan on eating only soft and liquid foods. Blended soups and broths are often excellent options because they tend to be high in nutrients that can help your body recover. Other good choices include yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, apple sauce, and pureed vegetables. Once your mouth starts to feel a little better, you can work your way up to semi-soft foods like macaroni and cheese, instant oatmeal, and scrambled eggs.
Having wisdom teeth removed is often necessary for protecting the rest of your mouth. By following the tips above – as well as any additional instructions that your oral surgeon provides – you can avoid any complications during the healing process and keep yourself as comfortable as possible until you’ve fully recovered.
About the Practice
At South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, five talented, board-certified oral surgeons help patients from all over Jupiter maintain healthier smiles with a variety of state-of-the-art services. We offer comfortable extractions for people who have wisdom teeth that might cause problems in the future. To schedule a consultation at our office, visit our website or call (561) 743-8311.