What do you know about wisdom teeth surgery recovery? Your wisdom teeth are the molars furthest back in your mouth, and they will usually come in during your teenage years. Most people’s mouths do not have enough room to fit their wisdom teeth.
What To Know About Wisdom Teeth Recovery
Because of the lack of space, teenagers and young adults usually end up getting their wisdom teeth surgically removed. Whether or not you still need to get your wisdom teeth taken out, we are here to give you a few of our simplest, most straightforward tips on having the best recovery process.
- Manage the pain carefully. There is a high chance that you will have some pain and swelling in the days immediately following your surgery. One of the best ways to manage this is by using an ice pack. Make sure to ask your dentist about how often you should be using it. It is also important to not directly place ice on your face, as it can result in an ice burn. Pain medication is another way to help your recovery along. Your dentist will be able to guide you in whether you need to be taking over-the-counter or prescription medications. You may also be advised to take antibiotics. Antibiotics will help protect your mouth from infection as the wounds heal.
- Take your recovery seriously when you get home. It is essential to take precautions when you get home from your surgery to avoid infections and other painful problems. Rinsing with salt water to keep the surgery wounds clean and free of bacteria is one of the most simple and effective things you can be doing. Make sure you don’t forcefully spit the saltwater when finished, but let it gently fall from your mouth. Your mouth will have some blood in it right after the surgery, so make sure to gently clean the wounds with gauze or a cotton ball after rinsing. It is also integral to avoid dislodging your stitches. This can disrupt the healing process and lead to dry sockets, which are painful and can lead to a prolonged recovery process. Make sure to be gentle with yourself!
- Think about what you are eating. Making sure you are eating foods that will aid your recovery is essential. Your mouth will most likely be sore after surgery, and you probably won’t have a huge appetite. The best foods to consume while recovering are those that won’t require much chewing and will be safe for your stitches. Soup, mashed potatoes, soft smoothies, pudding, cottage cheese, and apple sauce are all equally yummy and safe foods for recovery! You should also avoid foods that are too hot or could potentially get stuck in the surgery site. It is important to avoid drinking from a straw, as slurping too aggressively may compromise your stitches or the blood clot that protects the wound. The more careful you are with what you eat after surgery, the sooner you will be able to re-introduce your usual favorite foods into your daily diet!
Wisdom teeth removal recovery needs to be taken seriously, even though it is a common surgery. Proactively managing your pain, keeping the surgery wounds clean, and thinking about what you are eating are three simple ways to make sure your recovery period is as quick and easy as it can be! You should also listen to and heed any advice your dentist gives you regarding your recovery. If you or someone you know has questions about wisdom teeth removal and recovery, feel free to call us today at (903) 567-2207.