Wisdom Teeth: Four Practical Tips for Recovery after Extraction

Posted on: 16 March 2018

Share

If your wisdom teeth have only partially emerged or they are crooked or impacted, your dentist might recommend extraction. Typically, if these third molars do not grow as expected, they can cause oral health problems. For instance, you might experience painful crowding of the teeth, and the risk of infection due to poor growth will increase. If you are scheduled for an extraction, you should consider using these tips after the procedure for a quick recovery

Apply an Ice Pack

You might experience significant swelling after the removal of your wisdom teeth. Moreover, there will be significant bruising due to the extraction process. These effects will fade away after some time, and you will not experience long-term pain. However, if you feel significant discomfort, you can alleviate the inflammation and pain by applying an ice pack. This will  help numb the pain and reduce swelling.

Minimise Bleeding

You should expect some bleeding at the extraction site. Typically, there is minimal blood loss, but it is still important to control the problem. The dentist will provide gauze following the wisdom tooth removal. You should keep the gauze over your wound for the recommended period to prevent prolonged bleeding. If the bleeding is fairly heavy, you should bite down on the gauze to create more pressure and accelerate recovery. See the dentist again if a clot doesn't seem to be forming.

Protect the Blood Clot

You should not be quick to eat or drink immediately after the wisdom tooth removal procedure. The premature disturbance of the extraction site will compromise the wound. When you drink, you should not use a straw or swish water in your mouth vigorously. This process could dislodge the blood clot. If this clot is removed, it could cause a dry socket, which exposes the bone and nerves beneath the gum. If a clot dislodges, see your dentist.

Use Prescribed Medication

You should take the drugs prescribed by your dentist after the removal of your wisdom teeth. In most cases, there is no special medication required for the healing process. However, the pain can be overwhelming for sensitive individuals. If this is your case, you should discuss the best pain management options with the dentist for optimal comfort during recovery. You might also receive an antibiotic prescription, especially if your tooth was infected. Complete the dosage to prevent a recurrence of the infection.

If you notice other problems such as increasing inflammation, throbbing pain and an elevated fever, you should contact your dentist immediately.