Wisdom teeth removal can be a relatively simple procedure, depending on a few factors. What makes it hard is the recovery period. Once the anesthetic wears off and the pain settles in, it can be hard. In today's article, let's explore tips that can help you recover easier from wisdom teeth removal. Here's what you need to know:
What to Expect During Recovery From Wisdom Teeth Removal
If you're scheduled for wisdom teeth removal, you may wonder what recovery will be like. Here's what you can expect in the days and weeks following your surgery.
Immediately After Surgery
After your surgery, you'll be taken to a recovery area, where you'll be monitored for a short time. You may feel groggy and disoriented from the anesthesia and have some bleeding from the extraction sites. Your mouth will numb, and you may have difficulty speaking or moving. Within a few hours, the numbness should begin to wear off, and you'll start to feel more like yourself. It's essential to rest and avoid any strenuous activity during this time to help your body heal.
The Day After Surgery
The day after your surgery, you should be feeling better. The bleeding should have slowed down, and you should be able to eat and drink without discomfort. It's still important to take it easy, though. Avoid any strenuous activity and stick to soft foods to avoid irritating the extraction sites.
A Few Days After the Surgery
By a few days after surgery, most people are feeling pretty good. The bleeding should have stopped, and you should be able to eat and drink normally. You may still feel discomfort and swelling, but it should be manageable.
A Week or Two After Surgery
After a week or two, you should be feeling back to normal. The swelling should have gone down, and you should be able to eat and drink whatever you like. You may still have some occasional discomfort, but it should be minor. Talk to your dentist or oral surgeon if you have any questions or concerns about your recovery.
How to Recover From Wisdom Teeth Removal
Having your wisdom teeth removed can be a daunting experience. However, recovery is usually fairly straightforward and easy. Here are some tips on how to recover from wisdom teeth removal.
1. Rest and Relax
The first few days following wisdom teeth removal are vital for recovery. It is essential to rest and relax as much as possible during this time. Take it easy, and don’t do anything too strenuous. This includes avoiding exercise, lifting heavy objects, and drinking alcohol.
2. Pain Relief
You will likely experience pain and discomfort after removing your wisdom teeth. Over-the-counter pain medication can help to ease this. However, your dentist may prescribe stronger medication if the pain is severe.
3. Bleeding
Some bleeding is normal after wisdom teeth removal. To help control bleeding, bite on a gauze pad for 30 minutes. Contact your dentist if the bleeding is heavy or does not seem to stop.
4. Swelling
Swelling is also common after wisdom teeth removal. To help reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your face for 20 minutes at a time.
5. Diet
Eating soft foods and staying hydrated after having your wisdom teeth removed is important. Avoid hot beverages, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Stick to cool or room-temperature drinks, soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and other soft foods.
6. Oral Hygiene
It is important to keep your mouth clean after wisdom teeth removal. Brush your teeth gently and avoid using mouthwash for the first 24 hours. After that, you can start using mouthwash, but avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.
7. Recovery Time
Most people recover from wisdom teeth removal within a week. However, some people may experience lingering discomfort and swelling for a few weeks. If you have any concerns, be sure to contact your dentist.
The Bottom Line
Recovering from wisdom teeth removal doesn't have to be a nightmare. You can do many things to make the healing process go more smoothly. Remember to follow your surgeon's instructions, get plenty of rest, and be patient. It can take a few weeks for your mouth to feel completely back to normal. But if you take good care of yourself, you'll be feeling better in no time.
If you’re looking to relieve your tooth and get back your picture-perfect smile, we can help you! Here at Dental House MI, our goal is to provide our patients with the best care and solutions to their dental problems. We offer affordable dentistry in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Come in for a check-up today! Don’t worry. We offer free exams and x-rays for new patients.