Everything You Need to Know About Recovery After Getting Your 4 Wisdom Teeth Extracted
Introduction
Getting your wisdom teeth extracted can be a daunting experience, but the recovery process can be even more challenging. As with any oral surgery, proper care is essential for a smooth and successful recovery. However, what exactly does recovery entail? In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about recovering after getting your 4 wisdom teeth extracted.
The First Few Hours After Surgery
After your surgery, your dentist will likely give you gauze to bite down on to help control bleeding. It’s essential to keep the gauze in place for at least an hour after the surgery and change it as needed. You may want to not swallow directly after the surgery as well so you don’t harm the healing process.
You may also experience some pain and swelling in the first few hours after surgery. Your dentist will likely prescribe pain medication to help manage the pain. It’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosages and not to exceed them.
The First 24 Hours
During the first 24 hours of recovery after getting your 4 wisdom teeth extracted, it’s important to rest. Avoid any strenuous activity and limit your daily activities. Your dentist will also recommend eating soft and cool foods such as yogurt, ice cream, or pudding. Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial, but it’s essential to avoid using straws as this can remove the blood clot that is forming.
Swelling may still be present during the first 24 hours, with an ice pack to the area at 20-minute intervals for the first 24 hours being recommended by dentists. Applying this method can help reduce swelling and speed up the recovery process.
Recovering from Day 2-7
During days 2-7 after surgery, your swelling should start to subside, you should replace the ice packs with moist heat packs. You should continue to rest and avoid strenuous activities, but you can begin to participate in light activities if you feel well enough.
Your dentist will likely recommend eating softer foods such as mashed potatoes, soups, and broths. You may also start to clean your mouth with a gentle mixture of water and salt to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Avoiding smoking or using tobacco is vital, and you should wait at least a week before resuming any such activities.
Recovering from Day 7+
By day seven, you should start to notice significant improvements in your recovery process. Swelling should be mostly gone, and you may start to feel a lot better compared to the previous days. You can begin to eat regular foods, but it’s important to avoid hard and crunchy foods that may disturb the healing process. According to dentists, smoking or using tobacco products should still be avoided.
Conclusion
Recovering from wisdom teeth extraction is crucial to ensure proper healing and avoid unnecessary complications. It’s important to take it easy during the first few days, follow your dentist’s instructions carefully and gradually return to your everyday activities and diet. With proper care and attention, the recovery process after getting your 4 wisdom teeth extracted can go smoothly and without any complications.
