A wisdom teeth extraction can be daunting for many; however, rest assured that modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of tools that makes the procedure safe and efficient. Even so, a wisdom tooth extraction can make for a pretty lengthy and involved recovery process. Thankfully, there are a lot of ways to make the process easier and more bearable.
Outlined below are a few tips from a general dentistry practice regarding the aftercare process for wisdom tooth extraction.
When recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction, it is a good idea to eat soft foods and limit anything hard, chewy, or sticky. Foods that are soft will be easier to chew, as the entire mouth will be very sensitive and sore. Some general dentists even recommend a liquid diet for a day or two while the swelling and inflammation go down. Regardless, it is still important to eat a healthy diet; however, adjusting for a couple of days to easier-to-consume foods is smart.
Immediately after a wisdom tooth extraction, patients should avoid physical activity for at least two to three days. When the wisdom teeth are extracted, the entire body unfortunately feels the effects. In order to promote healing in the mouth, the entire body needs to rest and take it easy. Strenuous activities can result in longer recovery times, which can draw out swelling and pain.
Smoking is one of the worse things that a patient can do when recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction. Smoking can cause dry sockets, which is the result of inhaling too much air while open wounds are still healing. It can be very painful and result in recovery times of up to two months. Additionally, smoking is bad for one's oral health, and it can do long-term damage to the soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity.
There will be swelling within the mouth, especially near the wisdom tooth extraction site. To remedy swelling and inflammation, it is recommended to use an ice pack or a cold compress while recovering. The cold sensation can help reduce swelling and even promote healing.
There will likely be a fair amount of discomfort after a wisdom tooth extraction, which is why it is necessary to take pain medications. Some may be prescribed and should be taken with caution and according to instructions. If there were not any prescribed then it is recommended to take an over-the-counter pain reliever with food and a lot of fluid.
When looking to learn more about the recovery process after wisdom tooth extraction, it can be helpful to consult with a general dentist. Further tips can be discussed and questions can be answered, both of which can be useful in preparing for the procedure. Reach out today to learn more or to get started with an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.brightsmile-dental.net or call Bright Smile Dental at (773) 733-5876 for an appointment in our Chicago office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Chicago, IL.
A wisdom tooth extraction is a popular procedure that most people are familiar with. However, as with most popular knowledge, not everything people believe is true, and that includes beliefs about removing wisdom teeth. Debunking these myths is important as they could be prohibiting individuals from getting the procedure that is necessary to maintain good…
Removal of the wisdom teeth is something that a lot of people experience because their mouths may not have room for them. However, the procedure often intimidates people because they fear getting their teeth pulled. Being aware of what happens during a wisdom teeth removal process can be helpful for someone who has an upcoming…
While there are times when wisdom teeth grow in correctly and do not cause any oral health or cosmetic concerns, sometimes wisdom teeth grow in incorrectly. If wisdom teeth that grow in incorrectly begin to cause oral health concerns or have the potential to do so, they may need to be surgically removed.Many avoid the…
If you need your wisdom teeth removed, you are in good company. The majority of people do not have room in their mouth for this third set of molars and must have them either pulled or surgically removed, as a result. It is fairly common for people to have this done in their late teens…