Recovery Tips After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Are you getting your wisdom teeth removed? We know it may be intimidating but you have nothing to fear! Wisdom teeth removal helps prevent damage to your other teeth, pain, and dental disease. After the extractions are complete, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure you have a quick, speedy, and comfortable recovery!

Eat Soft Foods & Don’t Use Straws

For the first week, avoid eating hard and tough foods. Stick to a soft-food and liquid diet with foods such as soup, yogurt, scrambled eggs, applesauce, bananas, macaroni, and mashed potatoes. When you’re drinking, make sure to not use a straw. The suction from straws can potentially cause the blood clots to dislodge from the extraction site(s) and cause a painful dry socket and increase your risk of infection.

Keep the Extraction Site Clean

One of the most important things during your recovery is to make sure you keep your extraction site(s) clean to prevent infection. After the first 48 hours, gently swish water around your mouth after you eat. When brushing your teeth, brush gently to prevent irritating the healing areas.

Take Needed Medications & Ice to Help with Swelling

If your dentist prescribes a medication, take it as prescribed. If you take an over-the-counter pain medication, don’t use aspirin since it’s a blood thinner and can cause your extraction site(s) to continue to bleed. We recommend resting and sleeping with an extra pillow and icing your cheeks close to your ears to help reduce swelling after your tooth extraction(s).

Get Plenty of Rest

Take it easy for at least a week and make sure you don’t overexert yourself. Avoid bending, lifting, and vigorous physical activity. The more rest you give your body, the faster you will heal.

Speak to Your Dentist ASAP If an Issue Arises

If you notice anything out of the ordinary as you heal, make sure you contact your dentist right away. When there’s an issue or infection with your extraction site(s) it’s important to get treatment quickly. If left untreated, it can lead to serious oral health consequences and complications.

Questions about wisdom teeth removal? We’d be happy to answer them! Please contact our office or schedule a consultation at Cactus Point Dental.

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Problematic wisdom teeth image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Categorised in: Dental Tips, Restorative Dentistry