Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare
For some people, the thought of wisdom teeth removal can be unnerving. While it`s a widespread procedure, it`s still severe, and it`s essential that proper wisdom teeth removal aftercare is taken. Patients should be aware of all that can happen and what steps to take in order to minimize all side effects of wisdom teeth surgery best. The following is some information that all patients of this procedure should keep in mind:
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Caring For The Site
After the wisdom teeth removal, the blood at the site will begin to clot and form a scab. This can take several hours after the procedure, and it`s very important to leave the area alone until it happens. Avoid rubbing the area or putting any liquid near the site. Also, avoid brushing or rinsing near the surgical site for the first day after surgery. Try not to disturb the area at all except to replace gauze and assess any bleeding. There are often stitches placed after the extraction. Do not touch these, as they can become loose and cause bleeding.
Besides, avoid drinking through a straw or any activity that requires sucking, such as smoking. This can cause the blood clot to come loose and cause excessive bleeding.
Control Bleeding
As mentioned, some bleeding is to be expected immediately following wisdom teeth removal. This can be controlled by placing clean gauze on the area, then biting down firmly. Change the gauze every hour until the bleeding slows. If it becomes too severe, try biting down with more pressure and make sure the gauze is in the correct area. If it remains uncontrolled after several hours, it may be necessary to call the dental office for instructions.
Bleeding can be expected to last up to eight hours after the extraction until the clot forms. Try to avoid speaking or doing anything physical during this time. It will also be necessary to take some pain medication. The dentist will provide a prescription for medicine, but over-the-counter products may suffice. Once the bleeding ends, remove the gauze as it can stick to the clot and potentially pull it out of place. Also, expect to have an iron taste in your mouth from the residual blood.
Care For Swelling
Swelling can also be an issue for wisdom teeth surgery. It`s completely normal and should be expected. Using ice packs on the outside of the face for 20-minute intervals can reduce the impacts of swelling. This should be done for 48 hours after surgery; then switch to warm compresses. Also, it may be necessary to take ibuprofen for swelling.
Take the painkillers which were given to you by your dentist
Painkillers are not prescribed for the pain, although they will help with that too. Painkillers are often given to patients to help to reduce the swelling, which can actually reduce the chances of infection in the area. Always make sure that you finish the course of tablets which you have been given so that they work correctly. If your dentist does not give you a prescription for painkillers (some dentists won’t if it was a simple procedure), you can also take common painkillers from the pharmacy. Always read the label and follow the instructions given on the packet, even if you think you know how to take them. Never take aspirin to reduce the pain following wisdom teeth extraction, because these medicines will thin the blood and can make your mouth bleed.
Modify your diet
Try to stick to liquid foods or softer foods for the first day or two after your wisdom tooth surgery. Avoid hard or sharp foods like crisps and biscuits which could upset your extraction site. It`s also best to avoid fizzy drinks, spicy foods or hot beverages, which could cause irritations to the site. As the skin is healing, it may also be more susceptible to burns. From the second day onwards, you should rinse your mouth with slightly salty water after each meal, so that you can clean any food from your mouth. Avoid vigorous rinsing.
Avoid alcohol and cigarettes
Alcohol can thin the blood and delay the healing process. It can also prevent the blood from clotting adequately at the healing site. Smoking can have the same effects. Dragging on a cigarette also carries a risk that you will dislodge the blood clot which is sitting on the extraction site, meaning that it will start bleeding again. It`s advisable that you avoid all alcohol and cigarettes for at least 24 hours after the wisdom tooth removal.
It`s very important to follow the dentist’s instructions after wisdom teeth surgery. Above all, have someone present to help with aftercare. It may be necessary to have someone dispense medication, provide fluids, and help in any way possible to heal properly.
