Wisdom teeth extraction is a common dental procedure done for various reasons, usually related to potential future overcrowding, infection, or impaction. While the surgery is fairly normal, the key to a successful procedure hinges on what happens after the extraction. Proper post-operative care leads to quicker healing, less discomfort, and a decreased likelihood of complications. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about the care required after the removal of the wisdom tooth.
Post-Operative Immediate Care
The first 24 to 48 hours after wisdom tooth extraction are the most critical, as your body begins the healing process immediately. During the first day or two, what you do to the surgical site can have a large impact on your recovery. Immediately after the procedure, your dentist will place gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding. It is important to gently bite down on the gauze, keeping it in place for at least 30–45 minutes. If bleeding continues, replace with fresh gauze and maintain pressure.
Do not rinse your mouth, spit, or use a straw for the first 24 hours post-surgery, as these may dislodge the blood clot from the socket and may lead to dry socket, which is very painful. You’ll want to rest, stay away from physical activity, and keep your head elevated to keep the swelling down and limit bleeding.
Pain Control and Medications
Pain and swelling are normal responses to surgery. Your dentist may prescribe pain camp treaters or recommend over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain control and to reduce swelling. Be careful to follow the instructions, the recommended doses, and not to self-medicate. On occasion, an antibiotic may be prescribed for infection control. Be sure to finish the prescription even if you are feeling better. You may also find it helpful to place an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for 15–20 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours for swelling and numbing effects.
Nutrition and Hydration
Eating after having your wisdom teeth taken out can be a little difficult, but it’s important to have good nutrition for healing. In the first few days, you should follow a soft, cool diet. Food choices include yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and soup. Most importantly, avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods for the first few days. Those will irritate the injection site or potentially get stuck in the socket.
Staying hydrated is equally important as well. Drink plenty of water, but try to avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol, and caffeine for the first few days. Don’t forget to avoid straws, as the suction can dislodge the healing clot. As you feel more comfortable, usually after 3–5 days, you can start eating solid food again.
Oral Hygiene Practices
Keeping your oral hygiene after wisdom teeth removal is essential to preventing infection. You simply want to avoid being too vigorous in the actual site of the surgery. For the first 24 hours, you should not brush near the extraction site, and after that, resume brushing your teeth, but avoid the site of the extraction for some time.
Your dentist may recommend that you start rinsing gently with warm salt water as soon as 24 hours after surgery, mixing half of a teaspoon with a glass of warm water and rinsing gently. Do this several times a day, especially after meals, to keep the area clean and promote healing.
Avoid using commercial mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they can irritate the area. If you are uncertain about which products to use, speak to your dentist at Smile Oracles for individualized recommendations.
Dos and Don’ts with Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare
To ensure a smooth recovery, it is important to follow a set of dos and don’ts:
Dos
- Rest, and do not partake in strenuous activities for the first 48 hours.
- When you are sleeping, rest your head elevated.
- Use ice packs to help reduce swelling
- Eat soft, nutritious foods
- Make sure you are well hydrated with water.
- After 24 hours, gently rinse with salt water
- Take your prescribed medication as directed.
Don’ts
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products for 72 hours
- Don’t drink through a straw
- Don’t touch or poke the surgical site
- Don’t drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks
- Don’t skip meals. Your body requires energy to heal
- Don’t panic, but don’t ignore signs of a complication, such as excessive bleeding, fever, or severe pain
Signs of Complications
Although most wisdom teeth removals heal without complication, it is important to recognize signs that may indicate something has gone awry. Dry socket is the most common complication, which occurs when the blood clot is dislodged or does not form. Symptoms include intense pain, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Other symptoms to be aware of include:-
- Uncontrolled bleeding that lasts longer than 24 hours
- Symptoms worsening after 3 days (notably swelling)
- Fever or chills
- Pus or discharge from the surgical site
- Difficulty opening your mouth
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your dentist. The team at Smile Oracles is qualified to address your concerns and keep your recovery on track.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery post wisdom teeth extraction will vary for everyone, but generally, patients will feel better within 3-5 days. By the end of week one, swelling and pain should be noticeably improved, with complete healing of the gum tissue taking a few weeks, while the underlying bone can take several months for complete regeneration.
Here is a basic timeline:-
- Day 1-2 – Rest, control your pain, and avoid irritating the clot
- Day 3-5 – Swelling should start to go down when eating soft foods
- Day 6-7 – Resume normal activities and gradually incorporate regular foods
- Week 2 – Symptoms mostly gone; continue good oral hygiene
Concluding Thoughts
Removing wisdom teeth is an important step in keeping your mouth healthy, especially when the teeth will be problematic due to impaction or infection. However, this is just the beginning of the process. Success beyond the dental chair requires attention and care. Following the post-operative advice generically found in this blog will help you recover uneventfully and comfortably.
At Smile Oracles Multispeciality Dental Clinic, patient care does not end there either. The highly skilled and trained team provides specific after-care and can answer your questions during recovery. Whether thinking about having your wisdom teeth out or healing, Smile Oracles is a trusted partner in helping you maintain your oral health.