When you are planning to go for a Wisdom tooth removal or have just had it recently, following its post-treatment care instructions is essential. The healing and recovery depend on how you care for it. Don’t worry, because your dentist will send you home with a list of instructions that you must follow.
This blog lists the dos and don’ts after a wisdom tooth removal and will explain to you why following it is important.
The Dos And Don’ts to Follow After A Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The Do’s
- The dentists recommend elevating your head so that you don’t experience any swelling, or if there is any, it will reduce.
- Since the first 24 to 48 hours are very critical, use an ice compress to prevent the swelling from enlarging and also for pain relief.
- Let your cotton gauze stay for a long time and keep it in your mouth until the bleeding completely stops.
- Drink liquids and take only a soft diet so that you don’t put pressure on your jaw and teeth. You can move to solid foods after three to four days.
- If your dentist suggests it, then you can do some jaw exercises
- Take enough fluids to maintain hydration balance
- Take your medications on time, but remember you don’t take any alternative or follow any DIY pain relief remedy.
- You can brush your teeth the next day after the extraction.
- Report to the specialist if you experience any unusual signs or intolerable pain
The Don’ts
- Do not brush at the extraction site.
- Never use a straw for sucking fluids; use a simple glass and ensure not to share it with anyone, as you may contract an infection.
- Try not to suck, smoke, or spit unnecessarily or forcefully. This may increase the chances of a dry socket by dislodging the blood clot.
- Don’t take hard food, especially that which requires forceful chewing
- Stop using ice packs from the third day of the extraction and start using warm or hot compresses.
What Will Happen If You Don’t Take The Dos And Don’ts Seriously?
If you don’t follow the post-treatment care instructions, you are likely to:
- Increase the risk of blood clot dislodgement from its place
- Develop a dry socket, which is very painful
- May increase the chances of infection
- The swelling might enlarge instead of shrinking
- You may need to undergo a secondary treatment in case of infections, dry socket, or swelling
The Last Message
Following small details like ice packs compress, timely use of medications, and a soft diet can facilitate the rapid healing after a wisdom tooth removal. However, patients should know that wisdom tooth removal is a complicated procedure, and seeking a follow-up with the dentist is important for its healing evaluation.
Katy Cypress Oral Surgery & Implant Center is a place you can trust for your dental treatments and have detailed discussions with the specialist for any dental issue. You can call us at (281) 667-0607 for an appointment and learn more about our services.