So, you got your wisdom teeth removed — now what? A common question that comes when getting wisdom teeth taken out is “how do I care for my mouth post-surgery?” The post-surgery oral care is an essential step in the wisdom teeth removal process. This blog will explain the steps to take once you get your wisdom teeth extracted.
How long recovery lasts:
Pain can last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, but discomfort lasts between 3-7 days. Get as much rest as you can during this period. It is recommended to take at least 2 days off after the day of surgery to recover.
Day of surgery:
Keep a gauze pad on the affected area until bleeding stops (usually 30 minutes). Take pain medication as recommended and get some rest. Apply ice packs to jaw area for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off to avoid swelling (Continue for 24 hours). It is important to keep the mouth clean during this time, but heavy rinsing and the use of a straw should be avoided because you can risk dislodging the blood clot. Avoid eating lots of food the day you have your surgery. Try to avoid spitting and sneezing for a couple days post-surgery.
Next day:
Begin to gently rise your mouth 5-6 times a day (with salt water) to avoid bacteria from spreading. Do not use a straw while drinking for 2 weeks to avoid ripping your stitches. Avoid talking a lot during your recovery period, because you can irritate the wound more. Avoid direct sunlight for a couple days if your jaw begins to bruise.
Foods to avoid:
- Anything hard or crunchy such as chips, pretzels, and nuts
- Sticky, chewy foods such as fruit snacks and candy
- Popcorn or other foods prone to sticking in your teeth
- Spicy foods
Foods to enjoy:
- Oatmeal or other hot cereal
- Warm tea
- Smoothies, yogurt, applesauce
- Ice cream, pudding, jell-o
- Mashed potatoes
- Grilled cheese
Call your dentist/ oral surgeon if:
- Swelling gets worse
- Excessive bleeding/ blood not clotting
- Severe throbbing 3-4 days post-surgery
- Persistent fever
If you think you need your wisdom teeth removed, you should consult your dentist as soon as possible. If you have any questions about wisdom teeth removal, call us today at 215-567-4949.
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