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Wisdom-tooth-removal

Do’s & Don’ts To Follow After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth usually erupt in our late teens or early twenties. They can be valuable to your mouth if the teeth are healthy and appropriately positioned. However, in most cases, the wisdom teeth are not perfectly aligned and require surgical removal. 

You need to know how to recover quickly after undergoing wisdom teeth extraction. Keeping this in mind, the best dentists in Airdrie have come up with what to do and what not to do after wisdom teeth removal. 

Know The Dos First

  • Take adequate rest – You need to rest for a couple of days after the tooth extraction process. However, it does not imply that you should spend all of your time in bed.
  • Elevate your head – Following this advice will be a helpful way to reduce inflammation or swelling. 
  • Use an icepack – Apply an ice pack for the first 24-48 hours following the extraction. Use the ice packs 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off 1-2 hour time spans. You’ll have less discomfort and swelling if you use ice.
  • Bite on the cotton gauze – Traces of bleeding is very common after wisdom tooth extraction. You can bite down on a cotton gauze to help stop the bleeding. 
  • Keep the area clean – It is essential to keep the extraction site clean. You should gargle with salt water at least once a day. 
  • Have soft food items – Dental professionals recommend consuming soft food items and liquids such as mashed potatoes, soups, yogurts, smoothies, and milkshakes for a few days after the process of removal. 
  • Chew on another side – It’s important to let your gum’s wound heal without disturbing it. So, make sure to chew and eat your food on another side of the mouth. 
  • Jaw exercises are important – Perform jaw exercises by slowly opening and closing your mouth. However, you shouldn’t do this right away following your extraction process.
  • Drink an adequate amount of fluids – You should consume an adequate amount of fluid regularly, especially water. But, be careful not to use a straw after removing wisdom teeth. 
  • Take the prescribed medicines – You should not miss out on taking the medication prescribed by the dentist. Do not even skip a dose; otherwise, it might hamper the process of recovery. 
  • Brush your teeth gently – Start brushing your teeth from the second day following the wisdom teeth extraction. However, avoid brushing the area of extraction.

What Should You Not Do?

  • Avoid certain things – Don’t use straws. It is advisable not to chew, spit, smoke, or drink alcohol. Following these instructions will preserve the blood clot that forms over the extraction area. Dislodging the clot can lead to more bleeding and pain. It can also be the probable reason for the formation of dry sockets.
  • Stay away from solid foods – Avoid crunchy items like popcorn and potato chips. Also, avoid hot or carbonated beverages, spicy food, sodas, etc. Dentists advise waiting for at least 4-5 hours after extraction before eating solid foods.
  • Do not take aspirin – Many individuals do not know that aspirins are actually blood thinners. Therefore, taking aspirin will delay the process of blood clotting after wisdom teeth removal. 
  • Stop icing after 48 hours – You should not apply ice after 48 hours of wisdom teeth extraction. Instead, use hot water at the site of extraction. This will help soothe the pain and also promote the healing process. 
  • Do not poke into the gap – You should not use your finger, tongue, tissue, or toothpick to poke the gap created due to wisdom tooth extraction. Not following this instruction will provoke bleeding and result in a dry socket formation.
  • Never rinse your mouth strenuously – Vigorously rinsing your mouth can dislodge the blood clot and result in further complications. 

We hope you now know the tips to follow after undergoing wisdom tooth extraction. Talking to a dentist will help you draw an end to any other queries you have related to this topic. If there is a need for wisdom teeth extraction, do not delay the process of visiting a dental office and undergoing the treatment.