How Can I Best Take Care of My Mouth After Having My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

The wisdom teeth typically begin to emerge in the late teens or early twenties, and many patients do not have enough room in their mouths to accommodate them. This can lead to significant oral health complications such as crowding that can ruin a patient’s alignment, impacted teeth that are vulnerable to infection, and constant pain. To address these issues, many people have their wisdom teeth removed by dental professionals like oral surgeons. Here are a few tips for caring for your mouth after having your wisdom teeth extracted so you can keep your recovery brief and free of complications.

Immediately After Surgery…

After extraction, your body’s first order of business will be to form a blood clot over the wounds to keep them protected as they heal. Your oral surgeon will place gauze pads over the surgical sites during the procedure. Leave them in place for half an hour to keep the wounds protected. The surgical sites will be very sensitive, so avoid touching the wounds or vigorously rinsing the area. Go easy on any physical activity for a few days until you feel comfortable. All of these measures will help the blood clot stay in place.

Treating Pain

Wisdom tooth extraction is performed with the patient under anesthesia, and they will probably start noticing some discomfort once the anesthesia begins to wear off. Begin taking the pain medication prescribed when you start to feel discomfort. You can also place ice packs over the sides of the face where the surgery was performed to numb the pain and reduce swelling.

In the Days Following Your Surgery…

It’s important to continue taking any medications as prescribed after having your wisdom teeth extracted. It’s also crucial that you avoid spitting or drinking with straws, as the shifting pressure in the mouth these motions cause can dislodge the blood clot over the surgical wounds. If the blood clot is lost, the bone and nerve tissue in the wound becomes exposed, resulting in a severely painful condition called dry socket. Practice oral hygiene normally but take care to go easy on the wounds. Rinsing your mouth with salt water can also help keep the surgical sites clean.

While recovering from wisdom tooth extraction can be a bothersome time, it is manageable and will be over quickly. By taking proper care of your mouth, you can help your recovery be speedy and free of painful complications.

About the Practice

Scotch Plains Fanwood Dental Care provides the most excellent oral health services available in Fanwood, NJ. Led by Drs. Ahmad Kareem Osman, David A. Malakov, Kirk A. Kalogiannis, and Jason Lin, the staff ensures each patient receives stellar treatments in a friendly and compassionate environment. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as wisdom tooth extractions. For more information on caring for your mouth after having your wisdom teeth removed, contact the office online or dial (908) 322-3222.