If your wisdom teeth are impacted or they're causing overcrowding in your mouth, a dentist is likely to recommend surgery. If you require wisdom teeth extraction, knowing what to do after the surgery will ensure you have a good recovery. Review the following post-procedure do’s and don’ts. 

Do: 

Take time to rest. 

All surgical procedures require rest since strenuous activities stress the body while it’s healing. During the first 24 hours, you can use cold packs to reduce site swelling and pain. You should also sit in a comfortable position with your head elevated to minimize swelling. Focus on calming activities to help you relax, such as listening to soothing music or watching favorite movies. 

Eat soft foods. 

Hard and crunchy foods irritate the extraction site and can dislodge the stitches and the blood clot in the tooth socket that prevents excessive bleeding. Enjoy soft foods such as applesauce, yogurt, pureed vegetables, and pudding, especially during the first few days. Transition to harder foods as per your dentist’s recommendations. 

Don’t: 

Use straws. 

Using a straw to drink water or juice puts pressure on your mouth from the sucking action, which can cause the blood clot to dislodge. Sip water to avoid this issue, and bite down on gauze to stop any bleeding. It's normal to bleed during the first day or two after wisdom tooth extraction, so change out the gauze as needed.

Brush your teeth during the first 24 hours. 

Cleaning your teeth in the 24 hours after your procedure can damage the stitches and blood clots. Rinse with warm salt water instead to prevent bacteria from building up in the mouth and potentially infecting the extraction site. Once the 24 hours have passed, be careful not to touch the extraction area when you brush and floss.
 

For wisdom tooth extractions and other oral surgery services, such as bone grafting and dental implants, contact Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Serving the Tarrant County and North Fort Worth area in Texas, this oral pathology center is known for keeping patients comfortable and relaxed. Call (817) 741-2200 today to make an appointment or learn more online.