Having your wisdom teeth extracted is just the beginning on the road to recovery. If you have been experiencing problems with your wisdom teeth, extraction will alleviate the symptoms that you have been experiencing. But what about after care? This article will look into how to care for yourself in the days following surgery.
As with all surgical procedures, wisdom tooth extraction does not come without risks. Wisdom tooth extraction carries the small risk of permanent bone loss and paralysis. However, done correctly, it is a straightforward procedure. Once you leave the dentist’s office, the rest will be up to you to ensure that you make a speedy recovery.
Medication
Following surgery, your dentist will prescribe you with painkillers to help dull the pain of the surgery. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security once you wake up from the surgery. At first, your mouth will still be numb from the anaesthetic and you will not feel any pain. Do not take this to mean that there will be no pain at all. Once the anaesthetic wears off, the pain will return. That is why it is so important to take your medication according to the dentist and pharmacist’s directions. Your dentist will advise you to take your first dose before the anaesthetic wears off. Prolonged pain will not only make life difficult for you, but it will also delay your recovery time.
A high does of Motrin and Percocet are often prescribed for effective pain relief. But, one of the side effects is drowsiness, particularly if you are taking Percocet. If symptoms get worse and you are not able to function properly, tell your dentist. He or she will probably advise you to discontinue the medication that is causing you problems and offer an alternative.
Patients who have just had their wisdom teeth extracted may be afraid about brushing their teeth and using mouthwash. There is no need to be afraid about brushing your teeth. But you should avoid mouthwash so soon after surgery, as the mouthwash can interfere with the clotting process. Brush your teeth very gently and avoid brushing where the cavities are. Rinse your mouth with salt water for the first few days. This will help to dislodge food particles that have become trapped in the cavities where your wisdom teeth once were.
Chewing
Chewing is such a natural action that it can be very hard to listen to the dentist’s advice to refrain from doing so for a few days. All food that you consume after surgery will need to be pureed or mashed finely. That will include fruit, vegetables and other staples that you usually eat. Soup may seem to be the obvious choice during this time, but make sure you opt for smooth soups, rather than soups that contain chunky ingredients. Chewing will not only delay the healing process but also leave you with aching gums.
Infection and other complications can occur. However, the closer you adhere to your dentist’s advice about after care the sooner you will make a recovery from your wisdom tooth extraction.
