What Are Some Precautions to Take After Having Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
It’s important to take very good care of your mouth after wisdom teeth removal. You can avoid preventable problems with regular cleaning and careful attention. Soon enough, you’ll be all healed up and ready to move on. But for now, take it easy and employ these steps to make sure your post-surgery recovery is a success.
When You First Get Home
The first thing you need to do is staunch any immediate bleeding. It’s normal to have a bit of blood flow just after surgery. For the first few hours after your wisdom teeth removal appointment, keep a gauze pad over the surgical site. Discard and replace it once it’s soaked up the liquid.
If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, go ahead and take some prescribed painkillers. This is a sign that your local anesthetic is wearing off and it’s okay to take pain medication to help.
During the first day, it’s very important to minimize activity. Lay down, move gently, and do not eat or swish anything vigorously in your mouth for the first 24 hours. Use ice packs generously and trust that the first day is the worst. Wisdom teeth removal services should definitely include a recovery period.
Keep an Eye on Swelling
With any wisdom teeth removal, there is bound to be some swelling. You may notice swollen tissue near your mouth, cheeks, eyes, and jaw. This is normal, even though it’s tender. The swelling will become more obvious in the days following your wisdom teeth removal appointment as your body naturally heals itself.
To reduce swelling, apply ice packs liberally on the side of your surgery. Some offices provide special headwraps with spots for ice packs. Experts recommend that you move on to moist heat after 36 hours, rather than ice.
Pain Management
The pain will eventually cease, but you can help it along with Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Do not exceed the daily recommendation for adults, of course. Wisdom teeth removal services should include consultation with your surgeon after the fact. If you have any questions about your pain, contact the office immediately. If eating is too painful, stick with drinks and liquids for a while. Do not become dehydrated, as this can increase the pain and prolong the recovery period.
Congrats on your wisdom teeth removal! Take it easy, ask for help from Markham 7 Dental, and you’ll be feeling like yourself in no time.
