Important Healing Tips When Removing Wisdom Teeth

impacted tooth, Vector illustration Toothache, Tooth medical anatomy If you hear your dentist tell you that your wisdom teeth will need to come out it is not the time to go fully into panic mode. These third molars can definitely affect your oral health if they are growing in wrong, so having them removed can often be the smartest decision your dentist can help you make. Why Aftercare is Vital: Dentists have been removing wisdom teeth for millions of Americans every year for decades according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Besides some temporary bleeding, discomfort, and swelling/bruising after surgery, most people will recover seamlessly without hardly any issues. Nonetheless, dry socket is the most common issue after having these teeth removed. A dry socket can develop when there are newly-formed blood clots within the socket and it is unintentionally dislodged or removed exposing bone and causing bleeding. In addition to serious pain, your symptoms will include visible bone within the socket, swollen lymph nodes in the neck area, and low-grade fevers. To prevent potential problems after your wisdom teeth are removed be sure to follow the following tips: Swelling: put ice on the outside of the mouth intermittently for 20 minutes on and 20 off for the two days after your surgery (during hours you are awake) to help minimalize any bruising and swelling that may occur. Bleeding: ensure that you keep the gauze pads in place at least 30 minutes after the procedure and do expect some bleeding this is completely normal. If gauze is uncomfortable try moistened tea bags for the same amount of time. This allows the blood clot to set. Diet: After the bleeding stops then it’s time to drink a lot of lukewarm or cold fluids to help keep yourself hydrated. Some soft foods are ok too like eggs, pudding, Jello, and mashed potatoes. Stay on the soft diet for 2-3 days till clots have solidified and there is no risk of pulling them out to induce dry-socket. Medications: take prescribed medications or antibiotics from the oral surgeon exactly as directed. If you are taking narcotic-level painkilling medications then you will be asked not to operate machinery or drink alcohol while on the medication. When May I Need to Call My Dentist? If your pain is not improving a little bit each day for the first week then call the dentist as something may be wrong. Also, if you experience increased swelling, excessive bleeding that can’t be controlled with pressure, severe/throbbing pain for 3-4 days following surgery, or an elevated temperature that persists. No matter how many wisdom teeth you have removed listen to the dentist’s advice to ensure you recover smoothly. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about us visit us here or call us 909-465-1016. The Ramona Dentistry Team “Where Family Comes First”