Have you ever had wisdom teeth removal surgery? “Wisdom teeth,” or the molars furthest back in your mouth, generally grow in during your teenage years. Most people do not have enough room in their mouths for their wisdom teeth. For this reason, most young adults end up getting wisdom teeth removal surgery. Regardless of if you still need to get your wisdom teeth taken out or not, we are here to give you a few of our favorite tips on making the best of your recovery process.
- Think about what you are eating. Making sure you are eating foods that will aid your recovery is essential. Your mouth will most likely be sore after surgery, and you probably won’t have a huge appetite. The best foods to consume while recovering are those that won’t require much chewing and will be safe for your stitches. Mashed potatoes, soft smoothies, cottage cheese, apple sauce, pudding, and soup are equally tasty and safe choices! You should also avoid foods that are too hot or could potentially get stuck in the surgery site. It is also important to avoid drinking from a straw, as slurping too aggressively may compromise your stitches or the blood clot that protects the wound. The more careful you are with what you eat after surgery, the sooner you’ll be able to re-introduce your usual favorite foods into your diet!
- Take your recovery seriously when you get home. It is essential to take precautions when you get home from your surgery to avoid infections and other painful problems. Rinsing with salt water to keep the surgery wounds clean and free of bacteria is one of the most simple and effective things you can be doing. Make sure you don’t forcefully spit the saltwater when finished, but let it gently fall from your mouth. Your mouth will have some blood in it right after the surgery, so make sure to gently clean the wounds with gauze or a cotton ball after rinsing. It is also integral to avoid dislodging your stitches. This can disrupt the healing process and lead to dry sockets, which are painful and can lead to a prolonged recovery process. Make sure to be gentle with yourself!
- Manage the pain carefully. There is a high chance that you will have some pain and swelling in the days immediately following your surgery. One of the best ways to manage this is by using an ice pack. Make sure to ask your dentist about how often you should be using one. It is also important to not directly place ice on your face, as this can lead to an ice burn. Pain medication is another way to help your recovery along. Your dentist will be able to guide you in whether you need to be taking over-the-counter or prescription medications. You may also be advised to take antibiotics. Antibiotics will help protect your mouth from infection as the wounds heal.
Getting your wisdom teeth taken out is a common surgery, but its recovery still needs to be taken seriously. Thinking about what you are eating, keeping the surgery wounds clean, and proactively managing your pain are three easy ways to make sure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible! Make sure you listen to the recommendations your dentist gives you regarding your recovery as well. Click here to read about why you should schedule your 6-month checkup. If you or someone you know has questions about wisdom teeth removal and recovery, feel free to call us today at (903) 759-0765.