The recovery time for wisdom tooth extraction is anywhere from three days to one week after surgery. Due to the nature of the procedure, some discomfort is expected (at least for the first 48 hours). If you or someone you love is scheduled for a wisdom tooth extraction at our Grapevine practice, you will want to know how to properly care for yourself or your loved one once the surgery is completed to help alleviate soreness and enjoy a successful recovery.
Dr. Tye’s greatest concern is his patient’s comfort and peace of mind. Before and after the surgery, he will inform you of the proper way to care for the extraction area when you are home. However, if you have any questions about preparing for the surgery with Dr. Chris Tye at our Grapevine, TX location, feel free to check out this article or call the Texas Oral Surgery Specialists today at 817-552-3223.
What You Should Do After Your Wisdom Tooth Removal
Here are some helpful tips to deal with common symptoms and side effects after surgery:
- Keep the gauze in place for one and a half hours after the surgery, then remove it and throw it away. The blood should be clotted, but if it continues, replace the gauze with a clean one and apply constant pressure for 45 minutes.
- Take the prescribed pain medicines. As the anesthesia from the surgery wears off, discomfort will increase so be sure to pick up the prescribed pain medicine the day of the surgery.
- Eat soft, high calorie, high protein foods and chew away from the surgical site. Nutrients help the healing process move faster. Stock up on apple sauce, cottage cheese, yogurt, and protein shakes to get you through the first couple of days following your surgery.
- For swelling, place an ice pack over your jaw. It’s normal for the swelling to increase for up to three days after surgery, but an ice pack will help relieve some of the inflammation.
- On the day after surgery, and for about a week after, rinse your mouth 5-6 times a day with saltwater. This will ensure that no food gets lodged in the extraction site that might cause infection.
- Remove any dislodged sutures. The sutures will most likely dissolve, but if they do get dislodged, no worries! Just throw them away.
What You Shouldn’t Do After Your Wisdom Tooth Removal
- Don’t make any plans for the day of the surgery, unless those plans are to rest! Even a simple walk to the kitchen from the couch can cause your mouth to bleed even more. Plan to have a family member or friend at home with you on your first day of surgery.
- Vigorously rinse mouth or brush teeth. You wouldn’t run a marathon after knee surgery, would you? In the same way, don’t do anything that might cause damage to the surgical area.
- Don’t drink hot liquids or use a straw. The sucking action might force out the clotted blood and cause a dry socket.
Other Common Side Effects
- Bruising
- Numbness
- Low-grade fever
- Dried and cracked lips
- Sore throat
- Jaw stiffness
Dr. Tye extensively informs his patients of all normal side effects and the proper time frame for healing from wisdom teeth extraction. Should any complications or concerns arise in the days following the surgery, don’t hesitate to call our Grapevine, TX office at 817-552-3223.
