Precautions to Take After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that many people go through, especially in their late teens or early twenties. These “third molars” are the last teeth to erupt and can sometimes cause more trouble than they’re worth.
If you or someone you know is about to undergo wisdom teeth removal, it’s essential to understand the recovery process and why this procedure is often necessary.
What is Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Before we get into the post-surgery care, let’s talk about why wisdom teeth removal is often recommended by dentists:
- Wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they don’t have enough room to come in properly. They might grow at odd angles, pressing against nearby teeth, which can cause pain and infection.
- Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t impacted, they can overcrowd your existing teeth, ruining any orthodontic work you’ve had done in the past or making your smile misaligned.
- Partially erupted wisdom teeth are hard to clean and are prone to trapping food and bacteria, leading to infections like pericoronitis, which is inflammation around the tooth.
- In rare cases, cysts can form around the wisdom teeth, damaging bone and roots of nearby teeth cause tumor. If left untreated, this can result in the need for more invasive dental work down the road.
- Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing immediate issues, dentists often recommend removing them to prevent potential complications as you age, such as decay or gum disease.
Take the Following Precautions after Wisdom Teeth Removal
Control Bleeding
After your wisdom teeth are removed, bleeding is a common immediate side effect. To manage it, bite down on a gauze pad for about 30-45 minutes. Change the gauze as needed until the bleeding subsides, which usually happens within a few hours. If the bleeding continues beyond 24 hours, contact your dentist for advice.
Using a moistened tea bag instead of gauze can also help stop bleeding, as the tannins in the tea encourage clotting.
Swelling and Pain after Removal
Swelling is a normal part of the healing process after wisdom teeth removal. You’ll notice some puffiness in your cheeks for the first couple of days. To manage this, apply an ice pack to your face for 15-20 minutes at a time during the first 24-48 hours. This can help reduce swelling and soothe any discomfort.
Swelling typically peaks around day 2 or 3, so don’t be alarmed if you look a bit more swollen on the second day.
Stick to Soft Foods
For the first few days after surgery, stick to a diet of soft foods that require little to no chewing. Foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and soups are great options. Avoid hot or spicy foods, as well as anything hard or crunchy, like nuts or chips, that could irritate the surgical site.
Avoid acidic foods and drinks, like citrus juices, which can irritate the area and delay healing.
Avoid Straws
Drinking through a straw may seem like a convenient way to stay hydrated, but it can actually be harmful after wisdom teeth removal. The suction created by using a straw can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket. Stick to drinking directly from a cup for at least a week after surgery.
Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco
Using tobacco products, whether it’s smoking or chewing, can significantly delay the healing process. The chemicals in tobacco can interfere with the formation of the blood clot and increase your risk of infection. If possible, avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after your procedure better yet, use this time to quit for good!
Gently Rinse with Salt Water
After 24 hours, you can start rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to help keep the area clean. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse gently several times a day, especially after meals. This helps to clean the wound and promote faster healing.
Watch for Warning Signs
If you notice excessive bleeding, intense pain, swelling that doesn’t improve after a few days, or any signs of infection such as fever, pus, or a foul smell, contact your dentist immediately. These could be signs that something isn’t healing correctly and needs attention.
About Dr. Pawar’s Dental Clinic
At Dr. Pawar’s Dental Clinic in Hadapsar, we’re committed to providing top-notch care before, during, and after your dental procedures. Whether it’s wisdom teeth removal or more advanced treatments like painless single-visit root canals, Osstem implants, or braces and aligner treatments, we’ve got you covered. With over 9 years of experience and 12,000+ happy smiles, Dr. Kunal D. Pawar and his team offer high-quality, pain-free dental care.
Conveniently located near the Pune-Solapur Highway, City Centre, and Hadapsar, we specialize in teeth cleaning, ceramic crowns, digital smile designing, and even pediatric dental care. With 250+ patient reviews and 4 international publications, you can trust us to provide personalized, professional care in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Visit us today to experience the best dental care in Pune and let us help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!