10 Proven Tips to Speed Up Wisdom Teeth Recovery Fast
Have you recently had your wisdom tooth removed, or are you planning on undergoing the procedure and wondering how to speed up your recovery? You’ve come to the right place!
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure,often necessary when wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow, causing pain and discomfort.
Keep in mind that recovery can take time.It usually takes one week to remove stitches and sometimes, surgery-induced swelling, bruising and pain may take a week or two to heal. Give yourself the patience you need and be mindful of your actions during the recovery period.
Here are some effective tips that will make the recovery process smoother and get you on track to feeling normal as soon as possible.
- Apply Ice to Reduce Swelling
Immediately after your wisdom tooth extraction, you’ll likely experience some pain and swelling, especially within the first 24 hours. Applying an ice pack to your cheeks can help soothe the pain and minimise swelling.
- Keep Your Head Elevated for the First 3 Days
When lying flat, blood flow to the wound increases, causing throbbing and swelling. To manage this, keep your head elevated on two or more pillows while lying in bed or on the couch.
- Leave the Gauze Alone
The gauze pad placed over the extraction site applies pressure to help stop bleeding. Keep it in place for at least 30 minutes after surgery and then replace it with fresh gauze if bleeding continues, to keep the area clean.
- Sip Your Drinks
Always remember to sip your drinks in the next few weeks, Don’t drink liquids through straws as you could dislodge the blood clot and slow down the healing process.
- Eat Soft food
After your dental procedure, your mouth and jaw will be sore. Opt for soft food like applesauce, soups, yoghurt, or smoothies which are gentle on healing tissue. Avoid spicy and crunchy foods to reduce pain and lower the risk of dry sockets.
- Proper Care
After a wisdom tooth surgery, oral care can be challenging in comparison to your daily routine. Here are a few tips that will help you with your healing process.
- Gentle brushing- Remember to be gentle with yourself and your toothbrush during this period. Always brush your teeth gently and avoid the extraction site.
- No Spitting -For the first 24 hours avoid spitting. Never spit the water out when you rinse your mouth; let it fall out of your mouth and into the sink so you don’t dislodge the clots.
- Use Antiseptic Mouthwash: If recommended by your dentist, use an antiseptic mouthwash to keep bacteria at bay and prevent infection.
- Salt Water Rinse
Salt has natural healing properties.Simply mix a teaspoon of sea salt with a cup of water and rinse your mouth a couple of days after surgery.
- Manage Your Pain
You can manage pain and swelling with prescribed painkillers or ibuprofen but avoid aspirin, as it may interfere with blood clotting. For personalised advice, always consult your dentist.
- Drink Coconut Water
Drinking coconut water can help you nourish and hydrate your body while soothing gum inflammation. It also supports recovery by stabilising blood sugar levels and replenishing electrolytes, especially when you’re unable to eat solid foods.
- Rest
For a quick recovery, rest is crucial, just as after any surgery. Getting proper sleep after surgery may be challenging in the first few days due to discomfort but following your dentist’s painkiller recommendations will help you get the sleep you need to recover quickly.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
Recovery time differs from person to person, but most people start feeling better within 3-4 days. Complete healing of the gums may take a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the extraction.
Q. How can I prevent dry sockets?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot is dislodged. To prevent this, avoid drinking through straws, smoking, or rinsing your mouth too vigorously.
Q. Can I drink coffee or alcohol after wisdom teeth removal?
It’s best to avoid coffee and alcohol, as they may interfere with healing and increase bleeding.
Q. When should I contact my dentist?
Contact your dentist if you experience severe pain, persistent bleeding, fever, or signs of infection, as these may indicate complications.
Need more advice?
To learn more about wisdom tooth removal in Port Melbourne, call PMD Dental Care or click here and we’ll be happy to assist you!