Wisdom Teeth Removal: Your Roadmap to a Smooth Recovery

Do’s and Don’ts with Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare

Wisdom teeth extraction is a minor surgical procedure for impacted, crowded or infected third molar removal. Being a rather routine procedure, it still requires careful post operative care for optimal healing.
This guide outlines essential practices to ensure a smooth recovery and minimize potential complications.

Immediate Post-Operative Care

In the hours following surgery, focus on these key actions:
• Apply gentle pressure with a clean, damp gauze for approximately 60 minutes. This acts as a pressure pack and helps to control bleeding.
• Rinsing, spitting or any activity that creates pressure and suction in the mouth to be avoided for 24 hours. This helps to preserve the formed blood clot and prevent its dislodgement.
• Utilize cold compresses on the face (10 minutes on, 20 off) to mitigate swelling.

Pain Management and Medication

Proper pain control is crucial for comfort and healing:
1. Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully while taking prescribed medications or utilize over-the-counter painkillers.
2. Complete any prescribed antibiotic course in its entirety to prevent infection.
3. Monitor pain levels and consult your dentist if discomfort persists or intensifies beyond expected levels.

Nutrition and Hydration

Dietary choices play a significant role in recovery:
• Begin with clear liquids and progress to soft foods as tolerated.
• Abstain from hot beverages, alcohol, and carbonated drinks for approximately one week post-surgery.
• Maintain adequate hydration with cool water to support healing processes.

Oral Hygiene Practices

Gentle oral care is essential to prevent infection:
1. Brush teeth carefully, initially avoiding the extraction sites.
2. Refrain from using commercial mouthwashes that may irritate surgical areas.
3. Commence gentle warm salt water rinses after meals and before bed, starting 24 hours post-surgery.

Activity and Lifestyle Considerations

Modifying daily activities can significantly impact recovery:
• Prioritize rest for the initial 3-5 days post-procedure to support healing.
• Avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting until cleared by your dental professional.
• Sleep with the head slightly elevated to mitigate swelling and promote drainage.

Key Precautions

Certain actions can impede healing and should be strictly avoided:
✗ Avoid using straws or smoke, as these actions may dislodge formed blood clots and delay healing.
✗ Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could irritate surgical sites.
✗ Refrain from probing extraction sites with tongue or fingers to prevent infection.

Long-Term Care and Follow-Up

Ongoing attention to the surgical sites is crucial:
1. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments for professional assessment.
2. Monitor for signs of infection or dry socket, reporting concerns promptly to your dental care provider.
3. Adhere strictly to your dentist’s post-operative instructions throughout the recovery period.

At Clove, we are determined to give you the best possible solutions to put you out of your misery. The above guidelines are evidence based and have always proven to significantly enhance the recovery process. However, individual experiences can differ. Which is why it’s important to speak with a dental expert for relevant personalized recommendations.