Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are called wisdom teeth because they usually appear when you are old enough to be considered wise! For some people, these teeth come in without any problems. But for others, the wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they get stuck under the gum or only partially emerge through the gum. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and other problems. That’s why many people have them removed by their dentist or oral surgeon.

If your wisdom teeth need to be removed, don’t worry – the procedure is fairly common and recovery is typically quick and easy. The actual removal procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around your wisdom teeth. You may also be given sedation medication to help you relax. Once you are comfortable, your dentist or oral surgeon will make small incisions in your gums to access your wisdom teeth. They will then remove the teeth and any associated bone. Finally, they will clean the area and close the incisions with stitches.

In relation, here are six tips to help you recover from wisdom teeth removal:

Get rest

After the wisdom teeth removal, it is important to get plenty of rest. Sleeping will help your body heal and recover from surgery. Avoid strenuous activity and take it easy for the first few days following your procedure. After, you can slowly start to resume normal activities, but be sure to take it easy and listen to your body. Still, if you experience any pain or discomfort, stop what you are doing and rest.

Take pain medications

As directed by your dentist or oral surgeon, take pain medication to help manage any discomfort you may experience. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger medication if needed.

Apply icepacks

Applying icepacks to your face can help reduce swelling around the surgical area. Place an icepack on your cheek for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Eat soft foods

Eating soft foods will help you avoid irritating the surgical area. Stick to bland, easy-to-chew foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and yogurt. Avoid hard or crunchy foods that could cause pain or damage your stitches.

Keep your mouth clean

It is important to keep your mouth clean after wisdom teeth removal to prevent infection and promote healing. Gently brush your teeth twice a day and rinse with salt water after each meal. Avoid using mouthwash with alcohol as it can irritate the surgical area.

Follow up with your dentist

Be sure to schedule a follow-up visit with your dentist or oral surgeon. They will check to make sure your mouth is healing properly and remove any stitches if needed.

By following these six tips, you can help ensure a speedy and comfortable recovery from wisdom teeth removal. Hopefully, these will help make the process a little bit easier for you. If you have any other questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We would be happy to help in any way we can!