How to Recover Faster After Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Out
Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that come in during early adulthood. Oftentimes, wisdom teeth are too big for the mouth and cause crowding of the teeth. The teeth can become impacted and are prone to cavities and infection which is why most people have them taken out. Wisdom tooth extraction is considered oral surgery and like all surgery, there is a recovery period. The typical recovery period for this procedure is one week but you can help hasten it by following a specific set of guidelines.
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Instructions
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Place gauze dressing on the extraction site and bite down with gentle, steady pressure. Replace the gauze once it is blood-soaked. Do this until bleeding stops, usually two hours.
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Do not talk or eat for the first four to five hours. This will prevent you from dislodging the clot.
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Rest for the first 24 hours. Walk only when necessary and do not partake in vigorous activities, such as exercise. Prop your head up when lying down to avoid prolonged bleeding.
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Eat soft, but nutritious foods, such as fruit juices, vegetable broth, protein drinks and custard. Drink plenty of water and other liquids to stay hydrated. Avoid hot drinks.
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Ice the outside of your mouth for 10 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth and place it on the sore area. Take five minute breaks between icings.
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Mix 1/2 tsp. of salt with 8 oz. of water. After the first 24 hours, rinse your mouth with the salt water for 20 seconds several times a day for one week. Swirl it around in your mouth slowly.
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Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day, after the first 24 hours. Brush the tongue and the inside of the cheeks to reduce bacterial growth.
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Tips & Warnings
Take pain medication as needed. Ask your oral surgeon for a prescription if your pain is not controlled with over-the-counter medicines.
Contact your oral surgeon if you experience increased pain, severe swelling, nausea and vomiting, or prolonged bleeding.
Avoid smoking for at least a week after surgery.
Do not drink alcohol while using pain medication.
Avoid sucking motions, such as smoking or drinking through a straw, which can dislodge the clot and cause a painful inflammatory condition.
References
- Photo Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
