Wondering what to expect after getting a wisdom tooth removed?
Wisdom teeth have to go at some point. They aren’t supposed to be there.
If your wisdom teeth are causing you issues, it’s time to get them removed. But before you do, there are some things you should know.
What is the recovery time for wisdom teeth removal? The recovery time is different for everyone. It can depend on the person, the extent of the oral surgery, and other factors.
Below, we’ll take a look at what you can expect during wisdom teeth removal recovery.
Home Care
Home care is an important factor during the wisdom teeth recovery process. Immediately after oral surgery, patients should rest, keep their mouths clean, and ice any swelling.
Also, the patient should use salt water rinses to keep the area clean. If prescribed, they should take any medications as instructed. It is important to not disturb the surgical wound in any way and to keep it bandaged.
Regularly changing the gauze and the bandage will help the wound heal faster and reduce the chance of infection. After a couple of days, the patient may resume their regular diet.
Finally, it is important to attend all follow-up appointments with the dentist to ensure a healthy recovery. You should do this even if you don’t think that there are any complications with the removal.
Pain Management
Typically, many people will experience some degree of pain post-surgery. This can range from general soreness and discomfort to throbbing pain in the gums.
Your doctor may prescribe painkillers in the form of over-the-counter medications. Some people find relief in over-the-counter pain relief rubs, cold compresses, or ice packs.
Be sure to find an oral surgeon and discuss these options before surgery. This is to ensure that any pain relief methods are safe for you.
Food to Eat and Avoid
After removing impacted wisdom teeth, it is important to give your body the rest and nutrition it needs to heal. During recovery, eat soft, nutritious foods. By doing so, your body will have enough nutrition to support the healing process.
Avoid hard or crunchy foods that may cause further irritation to the area. You can go with mashed potatoes, cooked rice, smooth soups and purees, cooked fish and meats, applesauce, and other soft fruits.
Try to avoid hamburgers, apples, crunchy fruits and vegetables, chips, nuts, and hard bread. These can cause pain and discomfort. You should avoid these types of food until the mouth has healed.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Process
The wisdom teeth removal recovery process can be uncomfortable. But the result will be worth it.
If you are experiencing ongoing pain, swelling, and/or infection, contact your doctor right away. Don’t forget to show your gratitude by leaving a review for your dentist after the process is complete.
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