Having your wisdom teeth extracted is a standard dental procedure, but what you do afterward has a lot to do with how well you recover. Although the actual surgery might take only a few minutes, healing takes effort, patience, and some planning. Doing the proper dos and avoiding the usual mistakes can be the difference between rapid recovery and painful setbacks, such as dry socket or infection.
Dos After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Following good aftercare can aid your body’s natural healing process and make you feel comfortable. Here’s what you need to do:
- Keep Pressure with Gauze
Gently bite on the gauze pad your dentist puts in place after surgery. Leave it in place for at least 30–45 minutes to let a healthy blood clot develop and manage initial bleeding.
- Use a Cold Compress
Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek in 15- to 20-minute increments for the first day. This keeps swelling to a minimum and reduces bruising in the surgical area.
- Eat Soft, Easy-to-Swallow Foods
Bite down as gently as possible on soft, easy-to-swallow foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies (use a straw). These are easy on your recovering mouth and yet still nourish you.
- Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support tissue healing. Be sure to take small sips and avoid anything too hot.
- Take Medications as Prescribed
Whether it’s an antibiotic or a pain reliever, follow the dosage schedule exactly as directed by your dentist. This keeps discomfort in check and reduces the risk of infection.
- Rest and Elevate Your Head
Take it easy at least for the first 24 to 48 hours. Rest with your head elevated on a pillow to minimize swelling and promote quicker recovery.
Don’ts After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Even a minor slip in aftercare can delay your healing or cause complications. Here’s what not to do:
- Don’t Use a Straw
The vacuum you get from sipping on a straw has a tendency to break up the protective blood clot and cause dry socket, a super sore condition you wouldn’t want.
- Don’t Smoke or Vape
Smoke and vape put off healing and make it easier for infection. Refrain from all smoking for a minimum of 72 hours, and if possible, more.
- Don’t Eat Crunchy or Hard Foods
Chips, nuts, and other crunchy foods can readily become lodged in the surgical area or irritate it. Eat soft foods until your dentist advises otherwise.
- Don’t Brush the Extraction Site Immediately
Don’t brush the area around the surgical site for the first 24 hours. Once this time has passed, you may clean the teeth around the surgical site while avoiding the extraction site itself.
- Don’t Rinse or Spit Aggressively
Forceful spitting or rinsing may dissolve the blood clot that’s safeguarding your wound. Once the first 24 hours have passed, rinse with a mild saltwater solution and swish gently.
- Don’t Engage in Strenuous Activity
Exercise causes circulation to increase, which can lead to fresh bleeding or swelling. Avoid exercise and heavy lifting for a few days.
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal does not have to be tough. With good habits and a couple of careful choices, you can accelerate your healing and minimize the risk of complications. If something doesn’t seem right or if you have concerns, it’s always best to contact a dental care provider for individualized guidance.
You can contact our dental office for any further guidance.
