18555 N 79th Ave Suite A-103
Glendale, AZ 85308-8370
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3 Tips for Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery

Posted on 6/7/2021 by Dr. Michael Allard

Wisdom tooth extraction is a fairly common dental surgery. These teeth are located all the way in the back of the mouth and are the final adult teeth.

Wisdom teeth usually erupt when you are between the ages of 17 and 21. They often result in overcrowding inside the mouth, which is why removal becomes necessary. Here are some effective aftercare tips after undergoing wisdom tooth extraction:

Prevent Tooth Socket from Drying

About five percent of patients experience a dry tooth socket after extraction. It most often develops on the extraction sites located on the lower jaw.
A tooth socket may dry up when blood clots that promote healing do not form properly or get dislocated. To prevent the socket from drying, avoid rinsing your mouth for at least 24 hours following surgery, and abstain from smoking for a minimum of 48 hours after surgery.

Heal the Pain

You may experience some pain and discomfort after your surgery. Adhere to your dentist's aftercare instructions regarding food, drink, and exercise. Use an ice pack against your cheek to control any swelling.

After 36 hours pass, switch to a moist atmosphere. Microwave a damp towel and wrap it around a bottle or heat-pack. Practice opening and closing your mouth softly to flex your jaw.

Eat and Drink Carefully

Avoid hard or crunchy foods, and eat soft foods in small bites instead. It is advised to consume food items that require little or no chewing, such as eggs, mashed potatoes, milkshakes, smoothies, soup, and yogurt.

Make sure you steer clear of rough and crunchy edibles such as popcorn or carrots. Moreover, resist the urge to smoke or drink alcohol as they can interrupt the healing process.

Most people take 3-4 days to recover from wisdom tooth extraction surgery, and for some, it may take a week or more. If you feel like your third molars may be causing you oral pain, schedule an appointment with us at Arrowhead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery by calling us at (623) 738-2564 today.

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Arrowhead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 18555 N 79th Ave, Suite A-103, Glendale, AZ 85308-8370 ~ (623) 738-2564 ~ arrowheadoralsurgery.com ~ 10/8/2024 ~ Related Terms: Dental Implants Glendale AZ ~