A Short Guide To Recovering From Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
Many people have to have their wisdom teeth removed due to them crowding the mouth or not growing properly. Recovering from wisdom tooth removal surgery can be difficult and painful, but as this short guide explains, there are a few things you can do to make recovery as pleasant as possible.
Schedule Your Appointment At A Convenient Time
You will need time to recover after your wisdom tooth removal surgery, and you should therefore avoid scheduling your procedure for a busy time in your life. Make sure you don't have anything important in the next few days, such as photo sessions, meals out or job interviews. As Oral Answers explains, swelling can peak at around 24-48 hours after your teeth are removed, so bear that in mind when planning. You might also want to schedule a day or two off work, as you may find it difficult to talk or eat, and you might be in pain. This is typically accepted by most workplaces without a doctor's note, but ask in advance how your workplace's sickness policy works.
Stock Up On Recovery Essentials
Before you have your wisdom teeth extracted, stock up on everything you'll need to aid you in your recovery. Go shopping and buy lots of soft, gentle foods that you'll be able to eat, such as ice cream, mashed potato, soup and softer fruits such as bananas. Get an ice pack or heat pack to relieve pain, and you might also want to stock up on over-the-counter painkillers, which you can take as you recover. Finally, as the Oral Health Foundation explains, you should also get some salt to make your own salt-based mouthwash which, when used after the first 24 hours, helps to clean and heal the extraction site.
Find Out What Not To Do
There are many things you can do to make your recovery as smooth as possible, but there are also a few things you should avoid. As Healthline explains, you should try to avoid smoking while your extraction site heals, using nicotine patches if necessary. You should also avoid alcohol at this point. One of the ways that your body heals is by developing blood clots, which you should take care not to dislodge through vigorous brushing, rinsing or flossing—or by eating hard foods. If you want further advice on what to avoid, speak to your dentist.
If you take care and follow your dentist's advice, your wisdom tooth removal recovery will be as smooth and painless as possible. Stock up on essentials and be careful post-surgery, and you're sure to have the best experience possible.
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