Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars you will most likely develop in your late teens or early adulthood. They are called wisdom teeth because they often develop when you are older and wise enough. As your wisdom teeth develop, you may experience several complications, such as pain, crowding, and other problems. However, this is usually the case for some, and not everyone. You may need extraction if your wisdom teeth become severely impacted, crowded, or infected. After removal, consider wisdom teeth financial district treatment to make the recovery process more comfortable. Here are five ways to promote healing to your wisdom teeth after removal and to make recovery more comfortable.
1. Sleep Upright
The first few days after wisdom teeth surgery can be the most painful. To make it through the night, elevate your head to reduce swelling and make breathing easier. Using a few extra pillows to sleep can help make your recovery easier.
If you cannot manage to sleep in an upright position, try using an adjustable bed or a recliner. Doing this will help you rest comfortably without putting extra pressure on your jaw and other areas of your mouth that may be sensitive after surgery.
2. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
After your surgery, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of infection. Start by gently brushing your teeth and gums with a soft brush twice daily. Avoid rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth for 24 hours after surgery, as this can cause the mouth to heal more slowly.
After the first 24 hours, you may rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to help remove any food particles stuck in your teeth and gums. To further reduce the risk of infection, floss gently once a day.
3. Use Ice Packs
Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Place the ice pack or a bag of ice wrapped in a towel against the cheek or jaw for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Be careful not to apply the ice pack directly to the skin, as it can cause frostbite.
Ice packs may be used several times daily as needed or combined with over-the-counter pain relievers. Remember that ice packs are not intended to replace pain relief medications. Instead, they should be used in conjunction with them to provide additional relief.
4. Eat Soft Foods
After your surgery, eating soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow is important. Avoid hard, crunchy, and chewy foods which can cause pain and irritation in your jaw. For the first few days, stick to foods such as soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, applesauce, and other soft, nutrient-rich foods.
You should also avoid foods that are too hot or cold, which can cause discomfort. Sticking to lukewarm or room-temperature food can be especially helpful during recovery.
5. Consider Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can help manage pain associated with wisdom teeth recovery. Ensure to follow the instructions on the bottle and do not exceed the recommended dosage.
If the pain persists or worsens, discuss prescription medications with your doctor. In addition to relieving pain, over-the-counter medications can also help reduce swelling. However, seek medical attention if the swelling disappears after a few days.
Recovering from wisdom teeth extraction can be uncomfortable and painful. It is a slow process and will take an average of 4-7 days. However, the above five tips can speed healing and make the experience more bearable.
It is important to note that recovery time and the complexity of the procedure can vary from person to person. However, following your surgeon’s instructions for post-surgical care can ensure the best possible healing outcome and minimal pain and discomfort.
