Wisdom teeth can become impacted and cause great discomfort. Impacted wisdom teeth may also affect the alignment of other teeth and pose serious health risks. Wisdom tooth removal is a common dental procedure that helps many adults overcome these problems. However, the healing process and recovery does not end with the extraction surgery. There are some essential post-operative procedures for wisdom teeth removal that you must follow carefully to ensure a full, healthy recovery.
Wound Care Procedure
Wisdom tooth removal surgery leaves a wound in the vacated socket. Create a pressure pack made from sterile gauze pads to cover the socket. Fold small gauze pads until they fit properly over the socket. Keep them in place to control bleeding and promote clotting. This is an important first step to healing the wound and getting back to the normal use of your mouth. Keep the gauze in place for 30 minutes. Replace the gauze pad pressure pack as needed until the bleeding stops.
Once the bleeding has stopped for 24 hours, rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution every two hours to encourage healing. Rinse gently to avoid dislodging blood clots and disturbing the healing process. Mix 1 tsp. of salt with 8 oz. of water for your solution.
Swelling Control Procedure
Postoperative swelling is to be expected during the first 24 hours. Use cold packs to control any facial swelling after your wisdom tooth removal. Cold packs reduce swelling by slowing blood circulation. Apply a cold pack to the site of your swelling for 20 minutes. Then, remove your cold pack from the site for another 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle as needed during the first 24 hours following your procedure until the swelling has subsided.
Post-Operative Medication Protocol
Follow your prescribed postoperative medication regimen carefully. Most patients only need over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. However, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications if your pain is severe. You may also have to follow an antibiotic regimen to prevent socket infection while it is healing. Take all of your medications as directed. Complete any antibiotics prescribed, as failure to do so may result in onset or recurrence of bacterial infection.
Tips and Warnings
Eat a soft or liquid diet for a few days after the wisdom tooth removal. Chew with the opposite side of your mouth if you had wisdom teeth removed on only one side.
Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, hot drinks and anything else that can dislodge blood clots in your wisdom tooth socket.
Do not smoke or drink alcohol while recovering from wisdom tooth removal.
Call your dentist if you have any complications, discomfort or excessive bleeding at any time during recovery. Your dentist will also suggest the right procedure for cleaning your teeth during recovery, as you may need to wait several days before brushing your teeth normally.
Schedule a follow-up visit with your dentist to make sure that your socket has healed properly. Your dentist will inform you that you have fully recovered and remove any remaining stitches.
Tags: tooth removal, wisdom tooth removal, your mouth, your wisdom tooth, blood clots, cold pack
