Keeping Your Mouth Healthy After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Removing your wisdom teeth is a serious surgical procedure most of us have to undergo at some point in our lives. Decreasing unnecessary pain and swelling can help keep your mouth healthy and avoid infection after surgery. When these molars begin to take a toll on your oral health, it is crucial to remove them promptly. Following the proper aftercare instructions can help reduce recovery time and prevent future complications.

At Arya Dental located in Fullerton, CA, our team specializes in making tooth extraction a less stressful experience. 

Aftercare instructions for wisdom tooth extraction 

Following after-surgery care instructions can help you recover more quickly while avoiding discomfort. Temporary swelling and bleeding after the procedure are normal, but should not bring about severe pain. To help the healing process, here are some essential tips to remember. 

Keep your mouth clean 

You can return to brushing and flossing 24 hours after the procedure. Avoid the surgical area as you resume your regular oral hygiene routine. Dry sockets are one complication that develops when blood clots get dislodged or dissolve in the tooth socket. 

This exposes bone and nerve endings, causing severe pain, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. If a dry socket becomes severe, leading to swollen lymph nodes or a fever, contact your physician immediately. To minimize bleeding and promote the healing process, rinse five to six times a day with a saltwater solution after surgery. 

Get plenty of rest 

You should refrain from exercise for at least 24 hours following wisdom teeth removal. Keep your head upright with extra pillows and avoid lying on the same side as the surgical site. Treat moderate pain with over-the-counter medication like Tylenol® or Ibuprofen. For severe pain, talk to your physician about prescription pain medications. 

Take medications to relieve pain

Following treatment, we often prescribe pain medications and antibiotics. Taking your dosages as recommended can help you manage pain and avoid potential infections. During this time, you should avoid operating a vehicle or consuming alcoholic beverages. 

Be mindful of your diet 

You should avoid eating solid food for the first few days after surgery. Stick to soft and cold foods like yogurt or smoothies. As the bleeding stops, you can begin to introduce semi-solid foods like warm soup or mashed potatoes. 

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, but avoid carbonated beverages that can irritate the surgical site. Using a straw can dislodge the blood clot in your socket. Ultimately, eating regular meals that are high in protein gives you more strength and helps you recover as soon as possible. 

Reduce swelling 

Putting a moist tea bag on the surgical site for about half an hour can reduce excess bleeding and swelling. Your body reacts to the surgery by causing swelling in the areas around your mouth, cheeks, and eyes. Putting an ice pack on the sides of your mouth for about 20 minutes intermittently can minimize this symptom.

Switch to a warm, moist compress two days after the procedure. In some cases, bruising and discoloration occur due to blood that spreads beneath the gum tissue. This is normal. However, you should contact us if swelling gets progressively worse.

If you have concerns about the wisdom tooth removal process, call our office or book an appointment online.