{"id":271,"date":"2021-05-06T11:09:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-06T11:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tomballdentist.com\/blog\/?p=271"},"modified":"2021-07-06T11:11:29","modified_gmt":"2021-07-06T11:11:29","slug":"skillful-wisdom-tooth-removal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tomballdentist.com\/blog\/2021\/05\/06\/skillful-wisdom-tooth-removal\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for a Problem-Free Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Also referred to as the third molars, the wisdom teeth<\/a> (located in the back of the mouth) usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Often, at least one will become impacted (can\u2019t completely emerge), which can lead to pain and infection. The typical solution is wisdom tooth removal. After the procedure is completed, how should you take care of your mouth to encourage healing? Continue reading to get some useful tips that will make the experience much more comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What to Expect Post-Surgery and How to Respond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After your tooth is removed, here\u2019s what you can expect to happen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swelling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not uncommon for there to be inflammation around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face. The swelling usually happens the day following the surgery and will not reach its peak until the second or third day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To reduce the inflammation, apply ice packs to the side of the face where the surgery was performed. This should be done for the first 24 to 36 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Usually, an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen can be used to help reduce swelling and discomfort. In some instances, the dentist will prescribe pain medication, which could leave you feeling groggy and lethargic. Thus, you should abstain from driving a vehicle or operating machinery while medicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diet Restrictions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Immediately after surgery, you won\u2019t be able to eat any hard or chewy foods. Hot or cold beverages can also pose a problem, as they can trigger pain. You should also avoid sucking on straws, as it could cause the blood clot to dislodge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the first 4-7 days after your surgery, you\u2019ll need to stick to a soft-food diet (soups, yogurt, pudding, etc.). This will help to protect the treatment site and encourage healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Long Does It Take to Recover?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Recovery from wisdom tooth removal is a gradual process. As long as the dentist\u2019s instructions are followed, you can expect to see continued improvements as the days go by. Here is the usual timetable:<\/p>\n\n\n\n