A wisdom teeth extraction can be daunting for many; however, rest assured that modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of tools that makes the procedure safe and efficient. Even so, a wisdom tooth extraction can make for a pretty lengthy and involved recovery process. Thankfully, there are a lot of ways to make the process easier and more bearable.
Outlined below are a few tips from a general dentistry practice regarding the aftercare process for wisdom tooth extraction.
When recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction, it is a good idea to eat soft foods and limit anything hard, chewy, or sticky. Foods that are soft will be easier to chew, as the entire mouth will be very sensitive and sore. Some general dentists even recommend a liquid diet for a day or two while the swelling and inflammation go down. Regardless, it is still important to eat a healthy diet; however, adjusting for a couple of days to easier-to-consume foods is smart.
Immediately after a wisdom tooth extraction, patients should avoid physical activity for at least two to three days. When the wisdom teeth are extracted, the entire body unfortunately feels the effects. In order to promote healing in the mouth, the entire body needs to rest and take it easy. Strenuous activities can result in longer recovery times, which can draw out swelling and pain.
Smoking is one of the worse things that a patient can do when recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction. Smoking can cause dry sockets, which is the result of inhaling too much air while open wounds are still healing. It can be very painful and result in recovery times of up to two months. Additionally, smoking is bad for one's oral health, and it can do long-term damage to the soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity.
There will be swelling within the mouth, especially near the wisdom tooth extraction site. To remedy swelling and inflammation, it is recommended to use an ice pack or a cold compress while recovering. The cold sensation can help reduce swelling and even promote healing.
There will likely be a fair amount of discomfort after a wisdom tooth extraction, which is why it is necessary to take pain medications. Some may be prescribed and should be taken with caution and according to instructions. If there were not any prescribed then it is recommended to take an over-the-counter pain reliever with food and a lot of fluid.
When looking to learn more about the recovery process after wisdom tooth extraction, it can be helpful to consult with a general dentist. Further tips can be discussed and questions can be answered, both of which can be useful in preparing for the procedure. Reach out today to learn more or to get started with an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.michianafamilydental.com or call Michiana Family Dental at (574) 349-2073 for an appointment in our South Bend office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Wisdom Teeth Extraction in South Bend, IN.
Various situations exist where a dentist would recommend tooth extraction. Specific symptoms present themselves to let you know it might be a possibility. A dentist will confirm that a tooth extraction is the way to go. If you know what to look for, you will be able to tell when you need to visit your…
If you are missing teeth, it can be both a cosmetic annoyance and a health issue. Luckily, your dentist can treat this issue and help you regain a beautiful smile. There are various effective solutions you can choose from. Your dentist can discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each of these so you can make…
You can have an emergency dental visit with your general dentist. Knowing when you may need urgent dental care will prevent the dental problem from worsening. It will also relieve your pain and discomfort. If you want to know if you may need an emergency dental visit, here are the signs to watch out for.Persistent…
An emergency dentist can provide the treatment that you need when you find yourself dealing with a loose tooth. A loose tooth is just one step away from falling out of its socket, so it requires emergency dental care.Lost adult teeth that fall out need to be quickly replaced to avoid issues that often come…
An article by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare states that more than 18 million people wear partial dentures. Anyone who has been considering getting partials to improve their speech, ability to chew, and even their appearance is not alone. It helps to have the proper information beforehand, though. Partials are created from a wide variety of materials, each…
A fractured, chipped, or broken tooth occurs when patients have a crack in the tooth. Some cracks may appear small, but others may cause a break or split within the tooth structure. Most people can suffer a tooth break, but the most common demographics include children and older adults. To fix the tooth, some patients…