Almost everyone gets a shock initially when the dentist informs that the wisdom tooth needs to be pulled out. Extraction of wisdom is no bigger deal although the process is always different from any other tooth. It is utmost important to take proper care of the wisdom tooth extraction site so that it heals smoothly and fast. With the natural teeth you do not need to make this extra effort. Even the wisdom tooth extraction recovery process is somewhat different and unique. Usually you need about two weeks to recover completely after undergoing a wisdom tooth extraction. There are few tried and tested tactics that help you heal the wound at the extraction site faster. Let us explore those tips below.
Applying an ice pack or a cold compress
A dentist near me who extracts wisdom tooth for years together, says once the tooth is pulled out you are bound to experience pain. The site of extraction also looks quite unsightly. There will also be some bruising as well as discomfort in the jaws. A cold compress or an ice pack proves to be most helpful in reducing both swelling and inflammation from the area. Moreover the therapy also provides some relief from pain. You should apply the cold compress or ice pack from the outer cheek. Make sure to cover the treatment site as well as the neighbouring areas. When apply ice or cold compress, the blood flow to the area becomes constricted. This heals inflammation, pain and swelling.
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But you should never apply an ice pack directly to the skin. Always wrap it in a towel or a piece of cloth before applying. This helps avoiding cold burn or frostbite. There is a proper way of applying cold compress. Gently press the ice pack or cold press to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a stretch. Then give it a break for about 15 minutes. Keep repeating this on and off procedures at least for an hour. It is also important to note that cold compress or ice pack works best when you apply it several times a day.
Chose your drinks carefully
After undergoing extraction of a tooth it is better to stay away most drinks for at least 2 to 3 days. Wisdom tooth extraction is no different. However you must drink enough water at this stage to keep your body hydrated. Other than plain water any other drink is likely to interfere with the formation of blood clots and healing. Whatever you drink make sure not to use a straw. Sipping through a straw practically removes the blood clots that are more required to form at this stage. If you want the treated site to heal smoothly then you have to ensure that blood clots are formed and those stay securely in place. Hot drinks like tea and coffee are better to skip because those may too remove the blood clots and your bleeding may continue. Sugary drinks are better to stay away from as higher sugar content in the blood can slow down the healing process. Moreover sweetened foods and drinks are not good for your oral health.
Drinks you should avoid at this stage
During this post-treatment stage you must choose your drinks carefully. Any drink, that may bring you harm, lengthen your recovery or damages the blood clots are better to avoided.
- Fizzy drinks or carbonated beverages – Carbonated beverages can avoid the blood clots. Avoid this range of drinks for at least 48 hours following the procedure.
- Coffee, tea and other hot drinks – If you do not want to experience any more pain and bleeding from the treated site then you must avoid these drinks suggests a dentist working at Bayswater Dental Clinic. You should stay away from these drinks at least 48 hours following the wisdom tooth extraction procedure.
- Alcoholic beverages – The combination of alcohol and pain medicines is alarming. You should wait till your pain medicines are over. Then ask your dentist. If the dentist gives a positive reply then welcome back to the track again
A diet of soft foods
Now let us discuss your food options after a wisdom tooth removal. The treated site along with the jawbone and the mouth are likely to be sore after the procedure. This soreness continues for several days together. However that does not justify the option of fasting. You must eat properly and eat well during these days to facilitate faster healing of the wound caused the extraction of the tooth. Eat healthy and nutritious foods that are soft and does not require much chewing. Soft foods are usually also easy to digest. A diet of soft food during the first few days after tooth extraction is necessary as that way the stitches as well as the blood clots have lesser chances of undergoing disruption. You must avoid hard foods like nuts and certain seeds at this stage. An ideal diet for patients after undergoing wisdom tooth extraction includes the following –
- Smoothies
- Custard pudding
- Yogurt
- Boiled or scrambled eggs
- Varieties of soups (after cooling down)
- Both boiled and steamed vegetables
- Apple sauce
Apply gentle pressure on the treated site in your mouth
Usually bleeding stops within 4 hours from extraction of the tooth. However it may continue for 24 hours following the procedure as well. Spot bleeding or oozing of blood from the treatment site even two weeks after the procedure is not unknown though. In order to facilitate fast formation of blood clots you have to make little effort. Hold a gauze pad at the treatment site exerting gentle pressure of the jaws. Just soak a piece of gauze pad, roll it up and insert it at the extraction site. This is a great way to help formation of blood clots which in turn help healing of the wound. Bite down on the gauze pad for at least 45 minutes. But if in case the bleeding keeps continuing you must inform that to your dentist’s office without fail.
Bayswater Dental Clinic is a widely trusted oral health practice in London. It quotes one of the most reasonable costs for wisdom teeth removal in the UK. Dentists associated with the practise suggest taking proper and sufficient rest is essential for seamless and faster recovery from wisdom tooth extraction.
