A wisdom teeth extraction can be daunting for many; however, rest assured that modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of tools that makes the procedure safe and efficient. Even so, a wisdom tooth extraction can make for a pretty lengthy and involved recovery process. Thankfully, there are a lot of ways to make the process easier and more bearable.
Outlined below are a few tips from a general dentistry practice regarding the aftercare process for wisdom tooth extraction.
When recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction, it is a good idea to eat soft foods and limit anything hard, chewy, or sticky. Foods that are soft will be easier to chew, as the entire mouth will be very sensitive and sore. Some general dentists even recommend a liquid diet for a day or two while the swelling and inflammation go down. Regardless, it is still important to eat a healthy diet; however, adjusting for a couple of days to easier-to-consume foods is smart.
Immediately after a wisdom tooth extraction, patients should avoid physical activity for at least two to three days. When the wisdom teeth are extracted, the entire body unfortunately feels the effects. In order to promote healing in the mouth, the entire body needs to rest and take it easy. Strenuous activities can result in longer recovery times, which can draw out swelling and pain.
Smoking is one of the worse things that a patient can do when recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction. Smoking can cause dry sockets, which is the result of inhaling too much air while open wounds are still healing. It can be very painful and result in recovery times of up to two months. Additionally, smoking is bad for one's oral health, and it can do long-term damage to the soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity.
There will be swelling within the mouth, especially near the wisdom tooth extraction site. To remedy swelling and inflammation, it is recommended to use an ice pack or a cold compress while recovering. The cold sensation can help reduce swelling and even promote healing.
There will likely be a fair amount of discomfort after a wisdom tooth extraction, which is why it is necessary to take pain medications. Some may be prescribed and should be taken with caution and according to instructions. If there were not any prescribed then it is recommended to take an over-the-counter pain reliever with food and a lot of fluid.
When looking to learn more about the recovery process after wisdom tooth extraction, it can be helpful to consult with a general dentist. Further tips can be discussed and questions can be answered, both of which can be useful in preparing for the procedure. Reach out today to learn more or to get started with an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.ddsbaik.com or call Dennis Baik, DDS at (408) 676-5321 for an appointment in our San Jose office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Wisdom Teeth Extraction in San Jose, CA.
If you find yourself asking the question, "Should I have my Wisdom Teeth removed?" Then you need to know that the answer depends on a few key factors. An ongoing debate in the medical community for a long time, keeping or removing wisdom teeth has some arguing that there are far too many unnecessary extractions.…
Tooth extraction can be a frightening concept, especially for those who have never had a tooth removed before and are not sure what to expect or those who have had a bad experience with extraction in the past. However, there are various things you and your dentist or oral surgeon can do to help mentally…
It can be little confusing and sometimes even overwhelming to figure out exactly how to take care of your mouth after a tooth extraction. In the past, there used to be a lot more pain involved after a tooth extraction, however, modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of less invasive techniques which results in…
Tooth extraction can seem to be hard to recover from, but there are plenty of ways that a person can take care of their mouth after a tooth has been extracted.With the help of this article, we will discuss a few ways that someone can take care of their mouths after they’ve had a tooth…
When considering full mouth reconstruction to restore oral health, it is important to learn about the process, including the choice to make. When multiple dental issues are present, a full mouth reconstruction is usually the best procedure to correct the problems and restore oral functions and one's appearance. Since there is a lot of information…
Tooth extraction can be a frightening concept, especially for those who have never had a tooth removed before and are not sure what to expect or those who have had a bad experience with extraction in the past. However, there are various things you and your dentist or oral surgeon can do to help mentally…