Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth that erupt, and when they do, they can cause issues like impaction, infection, and even cancer. If these complications manifest, dentists would recommend extraction as it may be the best solution to prevent a patient’s condition from worsening. Although this process is not the most pleasant to most people, it is essential to avoid putting their overall oral health at risk of serious problems. And for us at Sweet Water Family Dentistry to assist during the recovery period, here is a list of tips for quicker healing.
Keep the head slightly upright for the first three days
When sleeping, patients are advised to keep their head elevated by angling their bodies nearly to a 45-degree angle using pillows. Doing so prevents your blood vessel tone and blood volume near the extraction site from increasing, which can lead to throbbing. Keeping the head slightly elevated also helps in reducing swelling.
Prevent the mouth from drying out
Patients may feel sore after a wisdom tooth extraction procedure, and if they feel too tender, they may be tempted to breathe through their mouth. As much as possible, it is best to avoid doing so as this will cause the mouth to dry out. If the mouth becomes dry, its pH balance becomes disrupted and causes the bacteria to multiply—increasing their risk of infection.
Use an ice pack
Applying something cold against the cheek that is closest to the extraction site helps reduce inflammation and swelling. To avoid ice burns, wrap the ice in a cloth and apply it for 20 minutes at a time. Make sure to never use heat against the same area since doing so will increase blood flow— leading to more pain and swelling.
Massage the masseter muscle
During the extraction process, the mouth will be held open for a long time, which contributes to sore or cramped muscles, as well as myofascial pain. One of the muscles that help people chew is the masseter muscle, which is particularly vulnerable to soreness. Massaging this muscle after a wisdom tooth extraction helps hasten recovery by releasing the unnecessary tension from the jaw.
Prevent dry socket
After the wisdom teeth are extracted, the body will then begin to heal itself. It includes the formation of a blood clot, which helps protect the exposed tissues and bone underneath. It is essential to keep the blood clot in place since dislodging it can lead to excruciating pain due to the exposed bone—a condition referred to as a dry socket.
Aside from these tips, also make sure to follow the instructions provided by the dentist to have a hassle-free and faster recovery after a wisdom tooth extraction.
Let us at Sweet Water Family Dentistry handle your Wisdom Teeth Removal in Lithia Springs, GA! Call or visit us at 1515 Westfork Dr., Suite A, Lithia Springs, GA 30122 to eliminate the pain and possible complications it may bring.
