Follow These Simple Recovery Tips After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth – a third group of molars in your mouth's back – tend to appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Some people have taken them out, while others never need them. In reality, in the course of a year, most Americans have taken theirs off.

Wisdom teeth are typically removed because: they are damaged (caught in the jawbone or gums).

• They grow in at the wrong angle and press against other teeth.


• They don't have space in the jaw.


• They may cause pain.


• They may facilitate cavities or gingivitis.


• Wisdom tooth removal is commonly done as an outpatient procedure, so that you can go home the same day.

Take good care of these three measures which may reduce complications of post-surgery.

Dry sockets develop following extractions in as many as 5 percent of patients. They are most common on the lower jaw at the sites of wisdom tooth extraction. A dry socket occurs when a blood clot at the extraction site does not form properly or dislodges until the region is healed. Symptoms occur a few days after surgery, which involve pain in the site of extraction that can extend to the ear, cause bad breath which leave a bad taste in the mouth.

Resist from rinsing your mouth for 24 hours after surgery. In case you're a smoker, don't smoke for at least 48 hours to improve the recovery process and lessen the risk of a blood clot being dislodged. Now seems to be a perfect time to consider about stopping a habit which contributes to many serious health issues, especially oral cancers and gum disease. Ask your dentist or health care provider for advice on quitting.

Expect certain pain following surgery. To help relieve your discomfort:

• Follow the advice of your dentist about treatment for exercise, food, drink and pain.


• To lower swelling using an ice pack.


• After 36 hours turn to a moist atmosphere. Microwave a wet towel and wind it around a bottle or heat-pack of hot water.


• Softly open your mouth, and close it to flex your jaw.


• Make sure you have enough sleep.

Eat small bites of soft foods, which involve little chewing, such as eggs and applesauce, for at least 24 hours after surgery. When you're having soup make sure it isn't too hot.

Avoid rough, crunchy or sticky foods which can irritate the healing region. By sipping tea, stay hydrated-without a straw. Trying to suck via a straw will displace healthy clots of blood and lead sockets to dry.

It is also essential to get proper hygiene. You should brush your teeth gently, including those near the site of extraction, to reduce the amount of bacteria present in the region. Rinse gently with warm salt to help extract food particles from the open socket packaging and to help keep the mouth clean.

You'll typically heal within a week or less from wisdom teeth removal. But for the next few months, the spot where your tooth was will heal and fill in with fresh tissue. If you experience some recurring pain, follow up immediately with your dentist in Pinson AL. To get the best wisdom tooth removal dentist in Pinson AL near you, click here.