Thinking of having your wisdom teeth removed? Getting your wisdom teeth extracted is one of the best decisions you can make for your oral health, but it’s only half the battle. While most patients recover quickly, it’s important to take as much care after the extraction as before. Here are some helpful tips on what you should do after you have your wisdom teeth taken out.
Plan Ahead
Your first step should be to make an appointment with us to discuss what to expect when you get your wisdom teeth taken out. We can help guide you through the process and help you prepare for before and after. Be sure to schedule the extraction for when you can take a few days off for rest and recovery. You will also need to arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure.
Reduce Swelling
Get ready for chipmunk cheeks! One of the first things you’ll notice post-procedure is the swelling. To reduce swelling, apply ice packs to the outside of your mouth intermittently for up to two days.
Stop the Bleeding
You should expect some bleeding, so be sure to have gauze on hand. You’ll want to keep it over the extraction site for about half an hour after the procedure, and place fresh gauze on the area if you have some bleeding afterwards. You can also use a moist tea bag on the area. If you suspect there is too much bleeding, give us a call.
Rinse Your Mouth
To keep your mouth clean post-extraction, gently rinse your mouth with warm water and a pinch of salt. You should rinse several times a day, especially after eating or drinking.
Brush Your Teeth
It’s important to return to your normal oral hygiene routine as soon as possible. On the first night after the surgery, carefully brush your teeth, avoiding the area of the extraction. Your mouth needs to remain clean to have a speedy recovery.
Watch What You Eat
Right after getting your wisdom teeth taken out, you should stick to a diet of clear, cool liquids. As the swelling and pain subsides, you can add soft foods back into your diet. Foods like mashed potatoes, pudding, gelatins, and oatmeal are easy on your mouth. Stay away from spicy foods and carbonated beverages, and do not drink through a straw. If you follow these guidelines, you’ll be ready to eat a burger again in no time!
Get Some Rest
While you may be anxious to get back to your normal routine, one of the most important parts of recovery is to get your rest, so avoid exercise and heavy lifting. Rest is your body’s time to recover. Sit back, watch your favorite movies, and relax.
Don’t hesitate to call Laulani Dental Care if you have any questions, and schedule a follow-up appointment with us after the procedure to make sure everything has healed correctly.