Will you soon get your wisdom teeth removed? This procedure has the potential to reduce your oral pain and prevent future problems. Still, you might be nervous about your appointment and what will happen afterward. What can you expect while you are recovering from wisdom tooth surgery? This guide offers practical information and tips to help you out.
How Long Does It Take to Recover?
Keep in mind that each patient is different. Your recovery time can be influenced by a number of factors, including your age, your overall health, how invasive the procedure was, your compliance with post-op instructions, and more. Generally speaking, though, most patients are back to feeling normal within 1 – 2 weeks after their appointment. You will probably be able to return to work or school within just a couple of days.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Here are some tips for wisdom tooth recovery that can minimize discomfort and support your body’s healing process:
Mind Your Diet
You may need to stick to a no-chew diet for at least a few days after your surgery. Hard, crunchy, and tough foods may be very uncomfortable for you to eat. Therefore, you should consume things like brothy soups, pudding, yogurt, and smoothies.
It is also important that you avoid alcohol for at least a few days.
Get Enough Rest
Playing sports or engaging in other vigorous physical activities could increase your discomfort and slow down your recovery. Try to take it easy for at least a few days. When you sleep, prop your head up on pillows so you will not have too much blood rushing to your surgical site.
Manage Your Discomfort
Your dentist might prescribe pain medication for you, or you may be advised to use an over-the-counter pain reliever. In either case, do not be afraid to take appropriate doses of whatever your dental team recommends.
There may be additional ways you can minimize your discomfort. For example, applying a cold compress to the side of your face might help. Swishing with warm salt water after the initial 24 hours of your recovery may also be beneficial.
Ask for Help if Necessary
Rarely, a complication known as dry socket develops after wisdom tooth removal. If you notice that your tooth socket looks empty, or you are having extreme pain at your extraction site, call your dentist right away. They can clean the area and place a medicated dressing to help get your recovery get back on track.
Wisdom tooth surgery may alter your routine for a week or two. Before you know it, though, you will be back to feeling like yourself!
Meet the Practice
The Center for Contemporary Dentistry offers comprehensive oral care to our community. If you believe that you may need to get your wisdom teeth removed, we would be happy to consult with you and answer all of your questions about the procedure. Get in touch with our Belmont dental office at 603-556-7047.