Wisdom teeth extraction is a routine oral surgery. If you’ve chosen a highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon to perform the procedure, then you’re in good hands. However, any surgical procedure should be treated seriously. Expect to need at least three full days to recover afterward. Some individuals may have a longer wisdom tooth removal recovery time, depending on factors like overall health and age. You can support your recovery by carefully following your discharge instructions. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to call the oral surgery office.
Don’t wait too long to take pain medication
Any surgery will result in a certain amount of discomfort. You should always follow the instructions on the label of your pain medication, and never take more than prescribed. On the day of surgery, as you’re recovering at home, don’t wait until the pain is intolerable to take a pain pill. Waiting too long may mean that the medication won’t work as well. There is also a risk that the pain will become so intolerable that you take more than prescribed.
If you’ve been following the dosage instructions, and your pain is still not well controlled, contact the oral surgery office for guidance. Do not take an additional, over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever without consulting the oral surgery office. Some OTC medications may increase the risk of excessive bleeding.
Don’t use a straw or spit
Sip beverages without using a straw, and avoid spitting 5 days after wisdom tooth surgery. These precautions are important because of the risk of dry socket syndrome. A tooth extraction leaves a socket, which is a hole in the bone where the tooth was. After surgery, a blood clot forms in the socket. It protects the delicate nerves underneath.
Sucking or spitting actions in the mouth may dislodge the blood clot, causing dry socket syndrome. Without the blood clot, the nerves and bone are exposed to air, food, and liquids. This can cause severe pain and may increase the risk of an infection.
Don’t consume certain foods and beverages
While your mouth is healing, you should avoid hot foods. For at least 24 hours, consume only soft foods. Milk, yogurt and applesauce are good choices. You may be able to tolerate semi-soft foods on the day after surgery.
For at least 24 hours, you should avoid beverages that are hot, caffeinated, alcoholic, or carbonated. It’s important to stay hydrated after oral surgery. Take frequent sips of water or milk.
Don’t brush your teeth right away
Dentists and oral surgeons almost never instruct their patients not to brush their teeth, but this is one of those times. For the first 24 hours, you should avoid brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth. Your oral surgeon will likely tell you to resume brushing your teeth on the next day. To limit the introduction of bacteria into your mouth, it’s a good idea to use a new toothbrush. Select one with soft bristles, brush gently, and exercise caution near the surgical site.
Do consult Innovative Implant and Oral Surgery
Thousands of Bucks County residents have trusted the oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Innovative Implant and Oral Surgery. If you’ve been told you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted, you can count on our team to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Expect exceptional patient care and support services, and contact our office if you have any questions about preparing for or recovering from your surgery. For wisdom teeth removal in Philadelphia, Bucks County and Montgomery County, call today!
Additional resources about wisdom tooth extraction:
- Mayo Clinic, Wisdom Tooth Extraction, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-20395268
- University of California San Francisco, Impacted Wisdom Teeth Recovery, https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/impacted_wisdom_teeth/recovery.html