How to Quickly Recover From Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction can be a painful experience. Here are some tips to help you recover after having wisdom teeth removed.

Things You'll Need

• ICE
• Medication
• Rest

Instructions

1. The first thing you can do to help your recovery process is to be as healthy as possible going in to your wisdom tooth removal. Eat a lot the day before, take your vitamins, and get a good night's sleep before your procedure. You want your immune system to be as strong as possible to aid in the recovery process.

2. As soon as you get home from your appointment with your maxillofacial surgeon, sit and relax and place a bag of ice or frozen peas on your jaw. Even better, have some ice waiting for you in the car so you don't have to wait until you're home. Ice as soon and as much as possible in the first 48 hours. Ice will reduce swelling, help relieve pain, and allow your body to heal faster.

3. Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. You will likely get two prescriptions after your wisdom tooth extraction. Painkillers for pain management, and something like Amoxicillan or another antibiotic to prevent infection.

4. Rest. Even when you are not asleep, you should remain in a restful state. Do not do anything that will get your heart rate up, or you risk creating a painful throbbing sensation in your jaw. Depending on how many wisdom teeth you have extracted, you may need a week of rest or more.

5. Your body needs healthy food to help it heal. You will be limited on what you can eat. Make sure you have things like soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, or macaroni and cheese ready for you to eat. Put fresh fruit in the blender with some juice and drink smoothies. Take plenty of multi-vitamins and drink water mixed with Airborne.

6. 

   Avoid dry socket at all costs. Don't use a straw. Don't smoke cigarettes for at least a few days. Dry socket can be a painful thing and will set you back in your attempt to recover from your wisdom tooth extraction.