Firstly, after the extraction, a blood clot will form of the area where the tooth was. The blood clot helps the extraction area to recover by covering it and allowing it time to heal. In this article we’re doing to discuss a few tips to help you after wisdom tooth surgery.
What You Should Do
It is quite normal for the area in which the tooth was pulled to be a little tender, and maybe a little sore. Importantly, you should remember to take pain killers as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the pain comes. Pain killers that you purchase without a prescription should do the job well enough to ease any of the pain associated with the surgery. Ibuprofen is usually the pain killer of choice for this type of pain.
Ensure you don’t take any aspirin after your surgery, as this as the tendency to thin your blood, which can ultimately make your mouth bleed. However if you are experiencing troublesome pain, speak with your dentist about arranging something stronger.
Try to take it easy for a few days after your wisdom tooth operation – and don’t do any rigorous exercise for at least 12-24 hours after it. To make sure you get a good night’s sleep, when lying down, try to keep your head upwards to avoid too much blood rushing to your head. Additionally, don’t bend over or attempt any heavy lifting for a few days, as this will have a similar effect.
What You SHOULDN’T Do
Beware of fiddling with the area or playing with it with your tongue after the first 24 hours. This period of time is the most important in the healing process, so you should exercise caution. It’s a good idea to try and avoid hot food and drinks, as the entire area around your mouth will become quite sensitive. Alternatively, once the pain killers kick in, you won’t feel any pain so you may in fact burn your mouth.
Try and avoid spitting, sucking and blowing your nose after the wisdom teeth extraction – unless you REALLY need to. Both positive and negative pressures inside your mouth will have the potential to injure your blood clot – which ultimately protects the wound. If you have an illness such as a cold or a flu (or essentially any illness that will make you want to cough and sneeze), ensure you’re taking the necessary medications to prevent the impact of the symptoms.
And lastly, of course, you will want to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes – at least for 24 hours after the surgery. Both have the potential to significantly delay the healing process, and can cause extreme pain and even infection.
If you have any questions relating to what you should do after having surgery for wisdom teeth, get in touch with Wisdom Teeth Removal Sydney on 1300 217 858 to find out more information about how we can help you prevent pain associated with dental surgery.