If you read part one of this blog series, you know how to control bleeding after wisdom tooth removal surgery, as well as the importance of staying hydrated and taking your medication. Here, our dentists will provide a few more tips to get you on the fast track to recovery in the days after your oral surgery. Contact Trillium Dental in Ottawa if you have specific questions about our wisdom tooth extractions, or schedule an appointment today at our family dental clinic!
HOME RECOVERY
RESTRICT ACTIVITY
As mentioned in our last blog post, you’ll need to take a few days to recover without any vigorous activity or exercise after your surgery. This allows your body to focus on healing the surgical site, which should only take a few days. During this time, watch all your favorite movies, get lots of rest, and only move around when necessary. Most people take three to four days off work after their wisdom tooth removal so they can recover fully before returning to normal activities.
STAY AWAY FROM SOLID FOODS
It is essential to stay away from solid foods during your wisdom tooth recovery, as hard foods that require lots of chewing can prolong the healing process. Smoothies, protein shakes, soup, and yogurt are all great foods to eat after your surgery, as are applesauce, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and ice cream. If you’re drinking lots of smoothies, juices, and shakes, make sure to drink directly out of the glass instead of using a straw, which can cause the blood clots to dislodge and restart the healing process. Trust us — wisdom tooth dry sockets are not something to gamble with!
RINSE YOUR MOUTH (BUT NOT TOO MUCH)
Cleanliness is also critical for a speedy wisdom tooth recovery. After you eat, gently clean the area with a cup of warm salt water, or rinse out the surgical site with a water syringe. Make sure you get any food out of the crevices without swishing the water too vigorously, as this can cause dry sockets as well. Ideally, you should be rinsing your mouth at least five times per day to keep the area as clean as possible and avoid wisdom tooth infections. Also, make sure you’re still brushing your teeth to eliminate any bad mouth bacteria, just do so gently and make sure to avoid the stitches behind your back molars.
USE AN ICE PACK
Many patients experience swelling after wisdom tooth extraction, which can be reduced with regular icing and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like iBuprofen. Mild bruising is also expected, which is just part of the body’s natural healing process. To avoid too much swelling and bruising, ice constantly for the first two days after your wisdom tooth removal, and take iBuprofen as needed.
SCHEDULE YOUR WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION IN OTTAWA
Now that you have a few tips to help you speed up your wisdom tooth recovery, it’s time to schedule your appointment. Contact Trillium Dental for more information about wisdom tooth extractions, or book your appointment with us online!