Our Guide to Recovering From a Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom tooth extractions are among the more invasive procedures within dentistry, and they typically require at least a few days of recovery time. Here are some tips to help your wisdom tooth recovery process fly by.
Stock Up on Soft Foods
We strongly recommend getting a few days’ worth of soft foods to eat before your procedure. Foods like cream of wheat, blended soups, smoothies, scrambled eggs, and avocado require little to no chewing and can be great meal options for patients who have recently had oral surgery.
Pick Out Some Post-Treatment Activities
Reducing your activity level post-surgery is essential for a speedy recovery. Finding books you’ve wanted to read, movies you’ve wanted to watch, and video games or board games that you love playing can provide you with something to look forward to and help pass the time as your extraction heals.
Prop Yourself Up
Propping your head up on a few pillows any time you are resting or sleeping will help to reduce swelling in your face. It also reduces the amount of blood that pools near your extraction site, which will decrease the amount of pressure around the area and the chances of bleeding.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
It will likely be more difficult to brush your teeth post-treatment, but it’s important to keep your mouth as clean as possible to reduce the number of harmful bacteria present. In addition to gently brushing your teeth, rinsing your mouth out with a prescription mouthwash or a warm saltwater solution can be a great addition to your oral care routine.
Follow Your Post-Op Instructions
Every patient’s case is unique, so the instructions you receive from our team may not look exactly like someone else’s instructions. However, it’s important to follow the advice that is outlined for you and keep up with any medications that are prescribed to keep your recovery on track so you can heal as quickly as possible.