Every year, the American Public Health Association states that about 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted from millions of patients in the United States. There are multiple reasons why dentists advise people to have their wisdom teeth extracted, including tooth crowding, cavities, disease, and infection. Even though tooth extractions are common and recognized to ease tooth pain, it is common to endure inflammation, discomfort, and pain. Luckily, you can adopt numerous measures to prevent patients from experiencing excessive discomfort and pain during and after wisdom teeth Financial District removal. Here are some suggestions for improving your treatment experience.
1. Plan Ahead
Before undergoing oral surgery, discuss your recovery expectations with your oral surgeon and formulate a strategy. Besides providing guidelines to follow during the operation, your dentist should also answer any questions you might have.
Your oral surgeon will probably advise you to arrange for your surgery when you will have time off school or work for recovery. You should have somebody to drive you home after the surgery and keep you company if you require assistance.
2. Maintain the Surgical area Protected
During the six weeks following surgery, it is crucial to be mindful of your rehabilitation, as this is when most infections arise. Complications might emerge once people disregard basic dental hygiene, so heed your dentist’s advice!
During your recovery period following wisdom teeth removal, it is essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Additionally, avoid unwanted contact with the surgical region and keep debris from accumulating around the wound. Your dentist will also provide more precise recommendations on preventing infection after wisdom teeth extraction.
3. Stop Bleeding with Tea Bags and Gauze
After a wisdom teeth removal, your doctor will provide you with a gauze piece to bite down on to stop bleeding. After approximately 12 hours, try replacing the gauze with a moist tea bag. Tea leaves are believed to alleviate discomfort and promote blood clotting.
4. Apply Ice Packs
Inflammation after post-extraction of wisdom teeth is inevitable. Thus, apply an ice pack periodically to the exterior of your mouth as much as possible during the first two days to reduce inflammation, any pain, and bruising you have. Nevertheless, if you had a dental infection before the treatment, your dentist may instead recommend using moist, warm compresses.
5. Consume More Fluids, and Less Solids
For the initial 24 hours following a wisdom tooth extraction, it is strongly advised to consume only liquids. On the second day, you could transition to a diet of soft foods for about a week. Avoid consuming foods that need extensive chewing.
Likewise, avoid using straws as they could dislodge blood clots and expose nerves and bones. This concern is referred to as a dry socket and could be exceedingly uncomfortable. Additionally, shun too hot or cold foods for some time to avoid irritating the nerves.
Wisdom teeth removal is often appropriate for persons who experience tooth discomfort, repeated infections, or issues such as teeth crowding. At LivWell Dentistry, Dr. Loo will examine your concerns and determine if you are the right candidate for wisdom teeth extraction. Although serious complications are quite uncommon, you still want to recover as quickly as possible. These post-care measures can effectively alleviate your concerns, but your dentist is still the best resource to ensure you have a comfortable recovery. Call the San Ramon or San Francisco, CA, office or request an appointment online today.
