How To Speed Up Your Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal

If you are someone who will need wisdom teeth extraction, you may wonder what to expect after treatment. Short answer: healing differs from one patient to another, but expect an event-free recovery if you follow your dentist’s instructions.

Wisdom teeth extractions are routine procedures at Dentistry On 10, and we provide expert care during and after the procedure. If you have had your wisdom tooth removed, Dr. Rina Kotecha and her associates share tips to ensure a smooth recovery.

Post-treatment care after wisdom teeth extraction

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt, usually between ages 17 and 25. And because at this age most of your teeth have erupted, your wisdom teeth may not have enough space to grow normally, often growing at an angle or remaining trapped beneath the gum line. Although not all wisdom teeth require removal, we recommend extracting your wisdom teeth if they cause pain, infections, cysts, overcrowding, and damage to nearby structures.

When removing wisdom teeth is necessary, we offer safe and comfortable extractions. While extractions are straightforward, recovery is gradual and can take up to a week or more. However, the tips below can accelerate recovery.

• Follow the dentist’s instructions: After treatment, we’ll prescribe painkillers and antibiotics to manage pain and infections, respectively. Complete your dosage, especially antibiotics, even if the symptoms improve halfway. Soon after the procedure, we’ll put a gauze pad on the surgical site. Remove it as directed by the dentist, and observe optimal oral hygiene to keep the area infection-free. Moreover, take adequate rest to give your body time to recover
• Watch what you drink: For a few days after your procedure, avoid crunchy, hard, and chewy foods. We encourage liquids and soft foods, such as smoothies, broths, and mashed potatoes. You should also avoid hot and spicy foods to avoid irritating the extraction site. Stay away from smoking and alcohol until you heal
• Use a cold compress: After the procedure, it’s normal to experience mild swelling and other discomforts. Placing ice packs on your cheeks can soothe the area for improved comfort
• Observe good oral hygiene: We can’t stress this enough. After oral surgery, your mouth should be at its cleanest to avoid infections. Rinse your mouth with warm, salty water at least four times daily. Brush and floss your teeth as you normally do, but avoid the surgical site to avoid dislodging the blood clot
• Call your dentist: In case you experience increased pain, bleeding, and swelling or fever, please call your dentist for immediate attention — it could be an infection or other complications

Want to learn more about wisdom teeth removal? We are happy to answer all your questions. Please call (905) 455-9262 to talk to Dentistry On 10 of Mississauga, ON.

Share this Article