Wisdom tooth removal is a common treatment, but even so, if you opt for this procedure, you may still feel apprehensive. However, having your wisdom teeth removed shouldn't feel painful, and we can provide you with lots of after-care instructions so you can recover more quickly. It's important to remember that this is a routine procedure and that complications are rare.
Caring for Your Mouth After Wisdom Tooth Removal
We will discuss how to look after your mouth after having your wisdom teeth extracted, and it's important to follow these instructions to ensure your mouth heals quickly and without any complications. Initially, you can expect to experience a little bleeding, bruising or swelling, but these are easily manageable.
Swelling
Noticing your cheeks look a little puffier after wisdom tooth removal is perfectly normal, but you can apply ice packs to the outside of your mouth to help reduce swelling. Use the ice packs for up to 2 days; this will also help reduce bruising and relieve discomfort.
Bleeding
You may notice the empty sockets where your wisdom teeth have been extracted bleed or continue to ooze after surgery is completed. Biting down gently on a gauze pad placed over the extraction site should help stop the bleeding. Continue to bite down for up to 30 minutes after surgery, using gentle pressure to help your blood form a clot that also helps to protect the empty socket.
Medicines
If necessary, we may prescribe antibiotics to help fight any signs of infection, and we can also prescribe something to help with any pain. Take any medications prescribed as recommended, as there is no need for you to feel pain or discomfort, and it will help you to recover more quickly.
Diet
After having your wisdom teeth removed, it's best to stick to eating softer foods and clear liquids like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yoghurt, soup, smoothies, hummus and avocado. As your mouth begins to heal, you can gradually introduce harder foods. However, it's best to avoid nuts, seeds, popcorn, or anything that could get stuck in the extraction site. It's also better to avoid spicy foods or anything very crunchy or crumbly that could irritate or inflame your mouth.
Oral Hygiene
It is important to keep your mouth clean after wisdom tooth removal, and you can make a saltwater rinse using a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water. This will help soothe the extraction site and rinses away any loose food particles that could irritate the empty sockets. You should continue brushing and flossing your other teeth, avoiding the extraction site until it has healed.
Usually, it takes a couple of weeks to a month before the wisdom tooth socket to heal completely and for new gum tissue to form. If we have placed stitches, these will dissolve in a few weeks. Please remember that if you are unsure or worried about anything or have wisdom tooth pain after extraction, then we are here to help you.