After Wisdom Teeth Removal Columbus, Ohio
Your wisdom teeth are the last of your adult teeth to erupt.
While most of your adult teeth come in by around the age of 13, the wisdom teeth, or third molars, erupt in your late teens to early 20s.
These teeth are the most likely to become impacted, an issue in which they cannot erupt properly, or at all through the gums.
When your wisdom teeth are impacted, you may be faced with serious issues such as pain, swelling, and difficulty eating.
Which means that it might be time for your wisdom teeth to get removed. You may even be at risk for infections or damage to your adjacent teeth.
When wisdom teeth are impacted, the best solution is to extract them. At Raptou Family Dental, we can perform wisdom tooth extractions and help you to understand what to expect after the teeth have been removed.
Bleeding
Bleeding is common after a wisdom tooth extraction.
Once your extractions are complete, gauze is placed over the surgical wounds.
This gauze is there to help your blood to clot. You should change this gauze periodically.
Make sure that you moisten the new gauze before placing it and apply gentle pressure. Bleeding typically subsides in just a few days.
Pain and Swelling
Pain and swelling are also very common after wisdom tooth extractions. In many cases, over the counter pain relievers can help to alleviate your discomfort.
You may be prescribed stronger medication if your pain is more significant. Take any medication only as directed.
During the first 24 hours after your extractions, ice can be used to help reduce the amount of swelling you will experience.
Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the sides of your face, holding it in place for 20 minutes.
Leave it off for 20 minutes and repeat as necessary.
Swelling typically peaks 48 to 72 hours after your extraction. At this time, moist heat can help to bring swelling down faster.
What Can I Eat after Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet can help to ensure that you get all of the nutrients you need to heal properly.
However, you will need to adjust your diet after wisdom tooth removal.
It is recommended that you stick to a diet of soft foods, including mashed potatoes, yogurt, soft pasta, scrambles eggs, and smoothies.
You may even want to stick to liquid foods for the first day or two. As you begin to feel more normal, you can slowly resume eating your favorite foods again.
Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean is essential for preventing infections.
During the first 24 hours following your extractions, you will be instructed not to rinse or spit.
After this period, you can use a salt water solution several times a day to rinse out your mouth. This solution helps to kill bacteria and eliminate debris from your mouth.
When you brush and floss your teeth, make sure that you take care around the surgical sites.
The Importance of Rest
Rest is crucial following the removal of your wisdom teeth.
It is recommended that you sit or lie down with your head propped up above the level of your heart.
Do not perform any strenuous activities such as running, bending over, or heavy lifting.
These actions can cause bleeding and exacerbate pain and swelling. As you heal, you can slowly resume your normal activities.
Following your post-surgical instructions is essential for ensuring that you heal properly after your wisdom tooth extractions.
However, if you are faced with issues like unmanageable pain, excessive swelling, significant bleeding, or a fever, it is important that you call the office immediately.
Questions or Concerns? Call!
If you have any questions or concerns about what happens after wisdom tooth removal, call Raptou Family Dental today at (614) 427-0449.
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