Did you know that “wisdom teeth” get their name from the time period in which they usually appear in the mouth? Many patients start seeing wisdom teeth break through the gumline in their late teens or early 20s – or the age of “wisdom!” For many reasons, your dentist or oral surgeon may have recommended you remove your wisdom teeth. It is an extremely common oral surgery procedure that is often painless; however, recovery is the most important time for a patient to ensure successful extraction. Below, discover your North Richland Hills oral surgeon Dr. Chris L. Tye’s tips for a smooth recovery after wisdom teeth removal.
For experienced, highly-skilled oral surgery care, choose North Richland Hills area oral surgeon Dr. Tye and our team at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists. Dr. Tye holds both a medical and dental degree, and can capably handle all aspects of your surgery, and any complications that could arise. Trust your oral health to the expert who many dental professionals themselves turn to: Dr. Tye!
Call us today to learn more about our practice or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tye, your North Richland Hills oral surgeon.
Take Pain Medication on Time
After your procedure, you will receive pain medication from our team to help control discomfort during the first few days after surgery. Always follow dosage instructions. Immediately after your surgery, you may not feel discomfort, as the anesthesia and anesthetics may still be active in your system. However, it’s important to take pain medication proactively to prevent feeling unnecessary discomfort as these medications wear off. Remember to never take pain medications on an empty stomach, which could cause nausea or vomiting.
Frequently Apply Ice Packs
We recommend preparing several ice packs in your freezer before coming in for surgery. This way, you are stocked and ready to frequently apply ice packs for 20 minutes at a time. We recommend applying ice packs throughout the first day, which can significantly reduce swelling in the face and jaw during recovery. Ice packs can also provide pain relief as they numb the area. Many patients find bags of frozen peas work well as an ice pack because they can easily mold to the shape of your face. But no matter how you apply the ice, frequency is key!
Carefully Care for Your Blood Clots
The extraction sites in your mouth will be very vulnerable for the first couple days after surgery. Soon after surgery ends, your extraction sites will develop blood clots that stop the flow of blood and start the healing process. These blood clots are crucial for proper healing. It’s important to not disturb them as a dislodged blood clot will not only slow or stop healing, but can be very painful. To protect your blood clots, be sure to follow these tips:
- Don’t use a straw for the first 4 to 5 days after surgery
- Avoid very hot liquids. Cool soups or hot drinks before drinking.
- Eat a soft diet for the first several days to avoid crunchy or hard pieces of food from entering the extraction site and disrupting the blood clot.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated, and do not bend over for the first several days.
Call Us if Any Complications Occur
Finally, it’s important to give your North Richland Hills oral surgeon a call if you experience anything out of the ordinary during recovery. This could include an increase in bleeding or blood in the mouth after the first day, pain which worsens, or excessive swelling or tenderness near the extraction site which worsens over time.
Looking for a North Richland Hills Oral Surgeon?
When it comes to wisdom teeth removal, you can have increased peace of mind by choosing an oral surgeon who is experienced at performing a variety of dental extractions. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Tye is one of the area’s leading oral surgeons. Contact our practice today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Tye!
