Are you looking for aftercare tips for your upcoming wisdom teeth extraction? You may have heard some horror stories from friends or family, but do not worry. Being proactive and learning the best aftercare methods can significantly reduce pain and discomfort.
While your dentist will likely give you some guidelines for after the surgery, it does not hurt to have additional information. This way, you can be fully prepared to make your recovery as smooth as possible.
According to the American Dental Association, wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary if your wisdom teeth cause abnormal changes in the mouth. Sometimes these teeth do not grow properly and can cause overcrowding or damage to nearby teeth. In some cases, the teeth can become infected and lead to gum disease.
The following is a list of aftercare tips that you should follow. They help to ensure a successful and complete recovery from undergoing oral surgery.
It is important to let the gauze that is covering the wound stay in place for at least 30 minutes. Do everything possible not to disturb the surgical area as it is important for the area to clot as soon as possible. A clot will stop the bleeding and help the site heal.
Rinsing with salt water is necessary as salt helps to prevent any bacterial growth. It will prevent the wound from becoming infected and help maintain a positive pH balance in the mouth.
Swelling is completely normal after having your wisdom teeth extracted. It will often subside in three to four days.
In the meantime, a small bag of frozen vegetables or ice can be placed in a towel and held against the swollen area for 20 minutes. Wait another 20 minutes before reapplying the bag. Wrapping the ice in a towel and limiting exposure to the skin will help prevent skin damage.
This can be done off and on until the area is no longer swollen.
Your dentist may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics for your surgery. Try to fill these prescriptions before the procedure. This way they will be ready for you when you arrive.
Also, place them in an accessible area. You can keep a small tub next to your bed to organize your medication, gauze and anything else you need for recovery.
These general aftercare tips, combined with your dentist’s guidance, should be more than enough to ensure a smooth recovery.
While you can expect some pain or discomfort, preparing ways to treat it will be very beneficial. Some people recover faster than others, so do not try to rush your recovery. Let your body take as much time as it needs.
If you have any questions about your upcoming wisdom tooth extraction, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Request an appointment here: https://dentistrybatonrouge.com or call Elizabeth H Guerrero DDS at (225) 360-3914 for an appointment in our Baton Rouge office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Baton Rouge, LA.
Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure that is not typically enjoyable but is often necessary in order to eliminate pain and crowding within the oral cavity. Individuals that are preparing for wisdom tooth extraction may find it helpful to get familiar with the recovery process, which can be involved, depending on the number of teeth…
If you have your wisdom teeth, you likely want to know if a tooth extraction is necessary. Some people can keep their wisdom teeth for their entire lives, while others need to have them extracted. Read on for the details so you will know whether you need to go to the dentist for an extraction.Many…
Removal of the wisdom teeth is something that a lot of people experience because their mouths may not have room for them. However, the procedure often intimidates people because they fear getting their teeth pulled. Being aware of what happens during a wisdom teeth removal process can be helpful for someone who has an upcoming…
Needing wisdom teeth removal is a common problem many people face. Wisdom teeth often come in at a sideways angle and are impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth often stay underneath the gum line or just above it. This pushes on the other teeth in the mouth, and we will often recommend that you have wisdom teeth…
Are you considering getting a smile makeover and looking into all the available options? While some people who want to makeover their smile know exactly what they want, not everyone does. This makes it a good idea for anyone interested in getting their smile made over to understand the options available, which often starts with…
A general dentist is a great resource to utilize when struggling with an unhealthy tooth. They have the training and experience to know how to handle just about any type of damage, whether it be a loose or infected tooth. When it comes to a general dentist pulling a tooth or saving it, there are…