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Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Dos and Don’ts

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Wisdom tooth extractions could be a major cause of nightmares for both adults and children. However, with the advancements of technology dentists try to use less invasive techniques for wisdom tooth extraction which decreases discomfort. With these types of extractions after surgery recovery is extremely crucial. Let us take a look at this blog to thoroughly understand the dos and don’ts of wisdom tooth removal.

What is a Wisdom Tooth?

A wisdom tooth grows between 17 to 25 years of age. Wisdom teeth could be impacted for a variety of reasons. It could be stuck in your gums or jawbone. It could also not grow following the rest of the alignment of your teeth. In such cases, it is extremely important to find a dentist near you and get the impacted tooth removed to prevent further dental complications. We should also be clear about what to expect from a wisdom tooth extraction before going in for the surgery.

Now that there is no confusion regarding a wisdom tooth let us find out about after-extraction care. There are so many things that we do not know about our teeth, so we need to trust our dentists when they list down the dos and don’ts for us. 

What to do after a wisdom tooth extraction?

Usage of Ice Packs

First and foremost, you must use an icepack for the next 24 to 48 hours after the extraction. This will help decrease any swelling or inflammation of the gums and cheeks. It will also provide temporary relief from your pain and minimize your discomfort. However, you must stop using an icepack after 48 hours and shift to heat to soothe the pain.

Opt for Painkillers

If your pain persists then immediately consult your dentist for some painkillers and over-the-counter medications. Prescribed painkillers have been known to produce adequate comfort when a bone has been removed during the tooth extraction process. Don’t ditch your painkillers. Completion of a timely course as prescribed by the dentist is extremely necessary to minimize the risks of any oral infection.

Head Elevation

Keep your head on a raised pillow. An elevated posture will help you with your inflammation and bruises and relieve you of your pain faster. Studies show that an elevated head hastens the recovery process in several cases.

Soft Diet

Stick to a liquid and soft diet for the first 24 hours. Yogurt and soups will be your best friends right after the extraction procedure. After 24 hours slowly shift to semi-soft food. Eating hard, sticky and spicy food must be avoided during this time as it might cause severe damage to the site of extraction. Along with soft food, make sure to drink plenty of water and hydrate yourself extensively. 

What to avoid after a wisdom tooth extraction?

Avoid Tobacco

Do not smoke or chew tobacco at least for the next one week after the extraction. Tobacco can delay your recovery and seriously complicate your aftercare process. 

Avoid Alcohol and Hot Beverages

Avoid consuming liquor at all costs after a wisdom tooth removal. You should also stay far away from hot, caffeinated beverages and carbonated drinks. Additionally, avoid drinking with a straw for the next couple of days. The sucking action could dislodge the blood clot and cause dry sockets which could inhibit the recovery process.

Don’t Brush for At Least 24 Hours

Do not brush your teeth, spit or use a mouth rinse 24 hours after your extraction surgery. You can brush once the specified timeframe has passed. However, you need to be extremely gentle with your brushing technique. Do not apply excessive pressure around the extraction site. You can rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm saltwater after meals for a week to hasten the healing process.

We hope this blog has provided you with the information that you needed for your recovery after your wisdom tooth extraction. Have further questions and are searching for a wisdom tooth removal service in Sioux City, IA? Contact us today and book your appointment with our dentists. 

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