9 Tips for a Better Recovery From Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery

wisdom teeth removalEvery year, there are about 10 million wisdom teeth taken out of five million mouths in the United States, according to the American Public Health Association (APHA). There are a variety of reasons dentists recommend their patients undergo the wisdom teeth removal procedure. They include infection, tooth crowding, disease, and cavities.

Often the wisdom teeth removal surgery is done by an oral surgeon. While tooth extractions are routine and are known to alleviate tooth pain, it is not abnormal to experience some swelling, pain, and discomfort. The good news is that there are lots of options to keep people from experiencing too much pain and discomfort and pain during and after the procedure. Here are some things you can do to have a better experience.

  1. Get yourself ready before you have the work done. Get in and talk to the dentist or oral surgeon and ask them all the questions that you can think of. This will help you get a better idea of what you can expect during and after your wisdom teeth removal surgery. Most dental professionals will give their patients a list of things they should do before and after the procedure is done. It is crucial that you read over the list and talk to the dental office. If you do not understand something, ask them about it.
  2. Stock your kitchen. Talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about foods and drinks that are good after wisdom teeth are removed. Many people stock up on soups, ice cream, and other softer item. Getting the right things before you go in for surgery will make the process easier.
  3. Get the timing right. While a wisdom tooth extraction is a routine surgery it is still a surgery. You should make sure you have time to let your body heal afterward. You will need to have a friend or family member come with you to your appointment and get you home safe and sound after your procedure is complete. Some people make plans to have someone stay with them after the operation.
  4. Be careful with what you eat and drink after your procedure. Most dental experts recommend people start off with liquids right after the surgery. As time passes, people graduate to soft foods. After a few days, it is often possible to move on to more solid foods. You will want to skip eating very spicy foods or anything that is too hot. Also, you should avoid straws and smoking as either can lead to “dry sockets.”
  5. Make sure you rest up. Again, the wisdom teeth removal procedure is surgery and your body need rest to heal. Many people want to get back to their regular routines as soon as humanly possible. The problem with that is it can mean the actual healing process is delayed. Exercising too soon after surgery can cause more swelling and bleeding. It is better to spend a few days resting and relaxing. Prop your head on a pillow and just give your body and yourself a break.
  6. Open and close your mouth. You need to work through the stiffness if you feel any. To do anything else may cause bigger problems. Start slowly but be persistent with this.
  7. Take the time to rinse your mouth. You may get a special rinse from your dentist or oral surgeon or you may be advised to use saltwater. Either way, rinsing with one of these can help with the healing process if you are able to do this a few times throughout the day. This should be done after eating. You will experience less pain and swelling if you do this.
  8. Tea bags and gauze can help with bleeding. It is normal to bleed after this surgery but it is always better to bleed less than more.
  9. Follow the instructions you are given by your dental professional. They have made up a plan that is specific to your health and will help your recovery period. They know what they are talking about and their instructions should always be adhered to.

It is possible to have a good experience after a wisdom teeth removal operation. These nine tips can really help with the healing process.