Aftercare tips to make your wisdom teeth removal experience a pleasant one!
In part one, we examined why aftercare is crucial, and common things that can occur post-surgery. In this article, we cover more topics on what you may experience after wisdom teeth removal.
At the Alaska Center For Oral + Facial Surgery, wisdom teeth removal is a staple of our oral surgery practice. Read on for more pertinent information to help get you through surgery and well into a healthy recovery!
Discomfort
Some pain and discomfort will follow wisdom teeth removal. We prescribe pain medication for you to take as directed for the first couple days after surgery. Many patients find that over-the-counter medications are all they need. The discomfort will dissipate within 24-48 hours.
Food
Since you will be pretty sore and swollen following the surgery, a liquid diet is recommended. It’s important to drink from a glass or bowl and avoid sucking from a straw because that can disturb the blood clot.
In the first few days, concentrate on staying hydrated and getting enough protein (it’s vital for healing). As you begin to heal, and dictated by how you feel, you can begin to transition from a liquid diet to soft foods.
Avoid carbonated beverages, smoking, and any foods that may leave behind particles in your sockets.
Food ideas:
- Protein milkshakes
- Bone broth
- Soup
- Green juice
- Smoothies
- Mashed potatoes/sweet potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Rice pudding
- Avocado
- Bananas
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Pudding
Bruising
Bruising is very common and you may experience some discoloration in the tissue as the blood spreads. It is normal to see a range of blue, black, green, and yellow bruising that may occur two to three days after surgery and remain for up to two weeks.
IV Side Effects
It is a common side effect to experience nausea and/or vomiting after surgery, so it’s important to not eat or drink one hour after surgery, including any prescribed medications. Once these symptoms subside, introduce eating and drinking as recommended.
Oral Hygiene
It’s important to keep your mouth clean after surgery. You may gently brush your teeth the night after surgery but be extremely careful around the surgery site, and avoid rinsing your mouth forcefully.
The day after surgery, gentle rinsing becomes a priority. Rinse five to six times with warm water mixed with salt.
Flossing is also encouraged, just steer clear of the teeth next to the extraction site and only floss if it feels comfortable.
Additional Considerations
Numbness – It is common to experience some numbness in your lips, cheeks, and tongue following surgery. Keep in mind that you may be more prone to biting your tongue or lips because of the altered sensation. Drooling is also a common side effect.
- Temperature – A slight rise in temperature is normal after surgery — if it continues to rise producing a fever, connect with our office.
- Dizziness – After surgery, many patients experience dizziness as a result of not eating before surgery. As you move around, remember to sit up slowly and give yourself time to stand up and get moving.
- Chapped lips – The corners of your mouth and lips may feel very dry and stretched following surgery — keep them hydrated with a protective and moisturizing lip balm.
- Sore throat – A sore throat is very typical post wisdom teeth removal because the muscles are swollen, thus swallowing is more painful than usual. A sore throat should relieve itself within the week following surgery, if not sooner.
Wisdom teeth removal is a common surgical procedure that has very few complications and when you follow our aftercare recommendations, it helps reduce the chances of infection and dry socket, leading to a speedy recovery!