Tips To Follow After Wisdom Tooth Extraction to Ensure a Speedy, Successful Recovery

Teens and adults in the Battle Creek, Michigan, area who have their wisdom teeth removed do so for several reasons. These include not having enough room for the teeth to erupt properly or because they have become impacted. Whatever the reason may be, there are certain steps you can take in your aftercare following wisdom teeth removal. The team at Earl E. Gaball, DDS, is here to provide some at-home tips that will improve your chances of a successful and quick recovery.

What To Expect

Having wisdom teeth removed is an outpatient procedure that usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. Since the procedure involves anesthesia, you will need a ride home. Your mouth should remain numb for a few hours following the procedure, but sensations will begin to return after that. When you leave our office, you will do so wearing a gauze pad over the incision site. You must change this after a few hours with a new gauze pad until bleeding ceases and a blood clot has formed. You may be prescribed medication or directed to over-the-counter medication to manage discomfort. You can utilize an ice pack on your face once you are home from your procedure.

Dos and Don’ts 

If you want to make your recovery time as short as possible, follow these tips.

Do…

• Utilize medication for any discomfort as recommended by your doctor.
• Remove initial gauze two to three hours following surgery.
• Change your gauze hourly following this.
• For the first 24-36 hours, utilize ice packs on the side of the face.
• After 36 hours, switch to moist heat to minimize jaw soreness.
• Eat only soft or liquid foods.
• Stay hydrated.
• Use a wedge pillow to keep your head elevated.
• After 24 hours, brush your teeth but stay away from the extraction site.

Don’t…

• Brush, floss, or rinse for the first 24 hours.
• Touch or probe extraction site with fingers or tongue.
• Rinse vigorously.
• Spit.
• Suck on a straw.
• Smoke or use tobacco products of any kind.
• Do strenuous activities like exercise or housework for three to four days.

We hope these tips will help with a speedy recovery. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Khalid Sajjad, please call (269) 883-1674.

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