Your After Wisdom Tooth Removal Care Plan
Having a well-established after wisdom tooth removal care plan will help support the immune system for fast healing. It is important to get ample rest and nourish the body appropriately for optimal healing.
This article will help you prepare for your surgery and create the perfect after wisdom tooth extraction care plan. Planning the after care for wisdom tooth removal is important to a successful surgery and preventing any complications.
Table of Contents
After Wisdom Tooth Removal Care
There are several common side effects of wisdom teeth surgery. After any surgery, the immune system kicks in to heal the body as fast and efficiently as possible. You’ll need an after wisdom tooth extraction care plan to help treat these common symptoms below:
Our Wisdom Teeth Healing Tips article can help you learn more about your after wisdom tooth removal care.
Swelling and Inflammation
The body causes inflammation around the wisdom tooth site to increase blood flow and get more white blood cells to the area promoting healing. Facial swelling may cause limited jaw movement with opening and closing.
Use cold compresses and ice packs for swelling for after wisdom tooth removal care.
Bleeding
Slight bleeding and redness in your spit are common after dental surgery. Your dentist will give you sterile gauze to use. Bleeding after wisdom tooth removal care is controlled by biting on the gauze to create pressure for 30 minutes after surgery.
If excessive bleeding continues or gets worse, contact your dental office.
Stitches
Your dentist will place stitches to protect the area and stop bleeding. Dissolvable stitches are more commonly used and will be absorbed. Traditional stitches will be taken out by your dentist around 7 days after surgery.
Gently clean around the stitches for after wisdom tooth extraction care and don’t be alarmed if one of the stitches falls out.
After Care for Wisdom Tooth Removal
An important role of after wisdom tooth removal care is oral hygiene. Learning proper after care for wisdom tooth removal can help prevent complications for fast healing.
- Brushing: You can start brushing 24 hours after the surgery. Using a smaller child’s size toothbrush can help efficiently clean around the extraction sites when jaw mobility is limited. Always use soft bristles with gentle strokes to reduce sensitivity.
- Warm Salt Water Rinses: After 24 hours, rinse with warm saltwater throughout the day to help soothe the gums and promote healing. Use half a teaspoon of salt per one cup of warm water to gently swirl around the extraction site. Do not aggressively swish.
- Mouthwash: Avoid oral rinses with alcohol in them. Alcohol will dry out the tissues and possibly prolong healing. Alcohol in mouthwash will also be very sensitive to the extraction site.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: It is important to continue your homecare routine in the other areas of the mouth. Brush 2 times a day for 2 minutes and floss daily. Control bacteria by removing food and plaque to create a neutral oral environment to promote healing.
Keeping the wisdom tooth area clean will help promote healing and reduce bacteria. Following these dos and don’ts after wisdom tooth extraction will help you heal quickly.
What To Eat For After Wisdom Tooth Removal Care
Stay Hydrated
It is very important to stay hydrated after any surgery. When the immune system is triggered by surgery, drinking water will help move the blood containing nutrients and oxygen to the wisdom tooth area.
Avoid water that is too cold and may trigger sensitivity. Avoid using straws to protect the blood clot and avoid dry sockets.
Foods That Help Healing
Getting enough nutrients is important after wisdom tooth removal care to promote fast healing. Supporting your body’s immune system with important vitamins and minerals will help increase healing.
Choose soft foods to avoid any irritation that will prolong healing. This includes soups, smoothies, juices, soft noodles, and eggs.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid solid food for around 7 days after wisdom tooth surgery. Foods that are salty and acidic can bother the recovering area in the mouth and cause increased inflammation and sensitivity.
Avoid seeds and nuts to prevent food particles from getting stuck in the wisdom tooth hole and irritating the gums.
Our What To Eat After Wisdom Tooth Surgery article has more tips to help you prepare for your after wisdom tooth removal care.
How To Prevent Dry Socket
Dry sockets happen to less than 6% of extraction sites. A dry socket occurs when the blood clot becomes dislodged from the extraction site prematurely. Painful symptoms usually occur within 3-5 days after surgery and last up to a week.
- Do not use a straw for at least two to three days after wisdom teeth extractions.
- Avoid swishing aggressively, gently swirl rinses and let them pool around the recovering area.
- No spitting for a few days after surgery. Let the liquid gently drip out of the mouth into the sink.
- No smoking for at least 48 hours after dental surgery.
After Wisdom Tooth Extraction Care
Make sure to keep your dentist up-to-date with anything that you are worried about after your surgery. After wisdom tooth extraction care is very important to the healing process and your dentist is best equipped to help you along your healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the hole to close after wisdom tooth extraction?
Around 6 weeks after surgery the hole around a tooth extraction start to close. It may take several months for the bone to fully fill in. Maintain good oral hygiene throughout this time and remove any food particles that may get trapped.
What can you not do after wisdom teeth removal?
Do not use straws, spit, smoke, or create any suction for at least 48 hours after dental surgery. Avoid solid foods that are salty and high in acidity. Get ample rest and avoid any strenuous activity.
How long should I use saltwater after tooth extraction?
Gently swirl and pool warm saltwater rinses around the wisdom tooth extraction site several times a day for at least 7 days. This will promote healing and soothe the recovering area.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
