Wisdom tooth removal might be a commonly performed oral surgery procedure, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the time to prepare yourself for the recovery process. At Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we want to make sure our patients know exactly what to expect from the moment they leave our offices.
Below are key tips to know about wisdom tooth removal and how to heal quickly, with as little discomfort as possible.
Stock up on Essentials Beforehand
When you get home from your procedure, you won’t feel like going shopping! Have plenty of soft foods and ice packs ready. Try to eat foods like pudding, smoothies, yogurt, soup or Jell-O. You can also steam and mash vegetables for a dose of fresh nutrients. Make sure you have extra gauze and pain medicine on hand as well.
Avoid the Key “Don’ts”
A dry socket is one of the most common wisdom tooth removal side effects, and it’s painful. It also interferes with your recovery. When blood clots dislodge or the blood clots that are beginning to form stop, this can result in a dry socket.
Don’t eat hard foods that require chewing (not that you’ll want to) or drink out of a straw, as suction can spur further bleeding. Don’t smoke either!
Make Time for Rest and Sleep
Make sure you take enough time off from work, school and sports to heal completely. The first few days, you will likely want to sleep more than usual, as your body enters the critical phase of healing. You need at least three to four full days of rest.
As you begin to feel better, slowly begin introducing exercise. Make sure you don’t engage in full-contact sports immediately following the procedure. Try to wait at least two weeks.
Continue Dental Hygiene Procedures with Care
You should make it a point to continue with your normal dental hygiene procedures in order to reduce the risk of infection and keep your other teeth and your gums healthy. Brush your teeth, but avoid the incision site. Irrigate the surgical area and rinse with salt water at least two times a day.
Know the Signs of Infection
If you begin running a fever or if your incision site continues to bleed and does not clot within the first day, call our office. If the pain gets worse following surgery, you should also contact us.
Trust Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for compassionate patient care during wisdom tooth removal. We take care of you and strive to make each extraction as painless as possible.