Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare - What to Do After?

 Wisdom teeth removal can be scary. As long as you follow these 6 recovery tips, you should experience no problems. Here's what to do after wisdom teeth removal.

 There are a number of reasons why wisdom teeth removal becomes necessary for a patient in Stockton CA. For most, the concern is that these teeth are impacted or may disrupt your tooth alignment down the line. In some cases, wisdom teeth removal is connected to health concerns like sinus issues or gum inflammation.

Whatever the reason, there's no need to worry about the wisdom teeth extractions procedure.

Tooth extractions , even wisdom tooth extractions, are fairly standard oral surgery procedures in Stockton CA.

Instead, what you should focus on is what to do after wisdom teeth extractions. This is where your actions matter most and can contribute to a speedy recovery after the removal of wisdom teeth.

Neglecting your oral health after wisdom tooth removal in Stockton CA, can lead to mouth problems such as dry socket. This is a painful condition that occurs when a blood clot fails to form (or comes loose) after a permanent tooth is extracted, exposing the bone and nerve endings below. Follow our six tips for a speedy and pain-free recovery after having molars removed.

1. Clean Mindfully in the First 24 Hours

The first night after your surgery, carefully clean your teeth with your toothbrush. Avoid putting any pressure on the tooth removal sites and don't spit forcefully after brushing.

Wait until the following day to start rinsing your mouth. Use a mixture of warm water and one teaspoon of salt to rinse, rather than your usual mouthwash. You should practice this rinsing process 5 to 6 times a day.

2. Pay Attention to Wisdom Teeth Removal Pain Relief

Your oral surgeon in Stockton CA, will prescribe medication to assist with wisdom teeth removal mouth pain relief. Take your medication as prescribed by your dentist in Stockton CA. If you are considering taking any over the counter medicines, talk with your pharmacist first to ensure that it isn't harmful to mix with your prescription.

3. Bite Down on Tea Bags

Tea contains tannic acid, a property that will reduce bleeding by contracting your blood vessels in your mouth. Once or twice a day, soak a tea bag in water. Then, place it over your tooth extraction site and bite down to secure it, leaving it in place for 20 to 30 minutes.

4. Rest Up

In the first 24 hours, you're going to need to avoid physical activity. Although the oral surgery is minor, your body needs time to recover after removing your molars.

Use a few pillows to elevate your head and lay down. Avoid laying on the side or sides of your face, mouth and head that were operated on. Take this as an opportunity to get caught up on your favorite podcasts or soothing TV shows!

5. Get Back to Your Usual Oral Health Routine

After the first 24 hours is over, you can and should get back to your usual oral health routine. That means brushing and flossing twice a day and wearing any orthodontic retainers you may use.

Make sure to continue to take care of the extraction site of your molars in your mouth when brushing and flossing. You don't want to exert too much pressure or move your mouth in ways that could disturb the blood clots where your molars were removed. Continue to use your water and salt rinse your mouth throughout the day.

6. Eat Soft and Semi-Solid Foods

Our patients are often most curious about what foods they're allowed to eat after wisdom tooth removal in Stockton CA. In the first 24 hours, you should stick to soft foods like ice cream and smoothies (although skip the straw and use a spoon).

After that, you can begin to work your way towards semi-solid foods like soup for a few days. Take a look at our more extensive list of great food options to consider after wisdom tooth removal!

Since we're talking about wisdom tooth removal recovery tips, it only makes sense to include some of the don't's, as well. All of the following factors could contribute to dry socket and lead to gum disease, which is the last thing you want to end up with after wisdom teeth removal!

No Straws

When you use a straw, you're creating suction with your own mouth. While it may not seem like a lot of pressure to you, it's enough to dislodge your blood clots leading to possible gum disease. Avoid straws for at least 24 hours.

No Smoking, Alcohol, or Carbonated Drinks

Like using a straw, smoking involves suction that can dislodge your blood clots causing gum disease. Plus, cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that you don't want to expose your vulnerable tooth extraction sites to. Alcohol and carbonated drinks are also harmful and you should avoid all three for a week or longer.

No Nose Blowing

This may seem like an odd one, but exerting pressure through your nasal passages can cause issues with your oral health. Rather than blowing your nose, try wiping or dabbing it with a tissue. While this can be frustrating during cold or allergy season, you're going to want to keep this up for at least two weeks after tooth extraction.

No Chew-Heavy Foods

If you have to chew it, it could dislodge your blood clots or get stuck in the cavities where your wisdom teeth once were making you vulnerable to gum disease. Avoid anything like potato chips, popcorn, nuts, or crunchy candy. It should be a week at the very least before you introduce these foods back into your diet.

Rather than stressing about your wisdom tooth removal, focus your mind on what to do after wisdom tooth removal. Your oral surgeon in Stockton CA, will take care of the first part. It's up to you to take care of the rest!