Written by: Dr Madhavi Shetty, Endodontist and co-founder The Func Dent.
Introduction
Getting your wisdom tooth out isn’t exactly a fun experience, but proper wisdom tooth extraction aftercare can make all the difference in how fast and comfortably you heal. If you don’t follow your dentist’s instructions, you could end up with complications like a dry socket or an infection. To help you avoid that, here’s an easy-to-follow guide packed with dos and don’ts for recovering like a pro after wisdom tooth extraction.
A] Dos and Don’ts After Wisdom Tooth Extraction:
Below are some of the dos and don’ts after wisdom tooth extraction:
The First 24 Hours: What to Expect
The first day after your extraction is critical to start the healing process. Take it easy and focus on letting your body recover.
Dos:
- Rest is Key: Chill out for the day. Do not work out or run around—just give yourself a break.
- Gauze Game Strong: Keep the gauze in place and bite down gently to help stop bleeding and form a clot. Swap it out as directed.
- Ice for the Win: Use an ice pack on your cheek for 15-20 minutes at a time. This helps keep swelling down and makes you feel better.
Don’ts:
- No Spitting: Spitting might seem harmless, but it can knock the blood clot loose and cause a painful dry socket. The incidence of dry sockets is around 3% for all routine extractions and might surpass 30% for impacted mandibular third molars. Let saliva drip naturally instead.
- Skip the Straw and Cigarettes: Sucking on a straw or smoking creates suction that can impact the healing process. Save those iced coffees for later!
Managing Pain and Swelling
No one wants to deal with unnecessary pain or swelling, so here are the dos and don’ts after wisdom tooth extraction:
Dos:
- Follow Med Instructions: If your dentist has given you pain medicines or antibiotics, take them as prescribed.
- Sleep Smart: Prop yourself up with extra pillows when you sleep. Keeping your head elevated helps minimise swelling.
- Switch to Heat Later: After 48 hours, you can swap the ice packs for warm compresses. It boosts circulation and helps with any lingering stiffness.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Push Yourself: Overexertion could increase swelling and make healing take longer. So make sure to keep it light and slowly pace your way up.
- Don’t Ignore Red Flags: If something feels off—such as nonstop bleeding, intense pain, or fever—call your dentist ASAP.
Eating and Drinking After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Our experienced team at The Func Dent guides you through your wisdom tooth extraction recovery. Here are some prescribed do’s and don’ts of what to eat and drink after your wisdom tooth removal:
Dos:
- Stick to Soft Foods: Foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies (spoon-fed, not sipped), and yogurt. Avoid anything crunchy or spicy that might irritate the extraction site.
- Stay Hydrated: Water is your BFF right now. Just make sure you drink it normally, without the straw.
- Take Baby Bites: Chew on the side of your mouth that’s not healing, and keep things gentle.
Don’ts:
- No Hot Stuff: Hot soups or drinks can irritate the area and make swelling worse. Let things cool down before eating or drinking.
- Avoid Sticky Foods: Caramel, gum, or anything sticky can get stuck in the extraction site, so it’s best to avoid those.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene
While you still need to brush your teeth, there are some things you can follow to make it easier:
Dos:
- Gentle Brushing Only: Brush the rest of your teeth gently and steer clear of the extraction site for the first few days. You can ease back into brushing around it after 3-4 days, using gentle strokes and appropriate oral hygiene tools.
- Salt Water Rinse: After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep things clean. But do it gently without vigorous swishing!
- Use Prescribed Mouthwash: If your dentist gave you an antibacterial rinse, use it as directed to help prevent infections.
Don’ts:
- No Aggressive Rinsing: Too much rinsing can mess up the blood clot. Be gentle!
- Don’t Skip Brushing: Keeping your mouth clean is key to preventing infection, even if you have to be extra careful.
Signs of Complications to Watch For
Knowing what’s normal and what’s not can save you from unnecessary stress—or worse, an emergency trip to the dentist.
Dos:
- Look Out for Dry Socket: If the pain gets worse instead of better or you notice an empty-looking hole, you might have a dry socket. To know how to reduce tooth pain after extraction, call your dentist right away.
- Monitor for Infection: Redness, swelling, or pus are all signs that something’s up. Don’t wait—get it checked out.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Ignore Pain or Bleeding: If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 24 hours or your pain gets worse, that’s a red flag.
- Don’t Delay Help: If you feel feverish or have trouble swallowing, call your dentist or doctor as soon as possible.
Returning to Normal Activities
When you’re feeling better, it’s tempting to jump back into your routine—but take it slow.
Dos:
- Rest Up: Following your dentist’s advice, gradually ease back into your activities. Your body needs time to heal fully.
- Don’t Skip Follow-Ups: Those follow-up appointments are important for making sure everything’s healing as it should.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Overdo It: Avoid sports, heavy lifting, or intense exercise until your dentist has cleared you. Healing takes time, so don’t rush it.
Conclusion
Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but following these dos and don’ts can make it a lot easier. Rest, stay hydrated, keep your mouth clean, and don’t hesitate to call your dentist if something doesn’t feel right. With a little patience and care, you’ll be back to your normal self in no time!