Everyone has seen hilarious videos of patients recovering from anaesthesia after getting wisdom teeth removed. Despite these funny moments, the wisdom tooth recovery process is something to take seriously in order to protect your health.
Wisdom tooth extractions can be slightly difficult procedures, depending on complications that arise. Your dentist will prepare you ahead of time for how difficult of a procedure they expect. Nevertheless, knowing what to expect during your wisdom tooth recovery and how best to deal with the pain can ease your healing process.
Wisdom Tooth Procedure Effects
As you go into your wisdom tooth removal procedure, it’s essential to know the possible effects. While every patient’s experience differs depending on the positioning of their wisdom teeth and surgical complications, you can probably expect some combination of effects.
Swelling
In many of the viral wisdom tooth recovery videos, patients look silly because of puffy cheeks. Beyond looking funny, you can expect a considerable amount of swelling after your procedure.
Dealing with your swelling can help you feel more normal after your surgery. Applying an ice pack or cold compress to the swelled areas can reduce inflammation. These methods also minimise post-operative pain.
Bleeding
You can certainly expect at least some bleeding after your operation. The most essential part of your recovery process is keeping the blood clot intact. Dislodging your blood clot can increase the recovery timeline and might force another trip to the dentist. Avoid drinking with straws or strenuous activity that could reopen the wound.
Pain
During your wisdom tooth recovery, you will definitely experience some pain. Everyone’s pain level differs based on the challenges of their operation, the amount of teeth removed, and whether impacted wisdom teeth were a challenge for your dentist. In cases of more extreme pain, your doctor can prescribe medications to help reduce your discomfort.
Wisdom Tooth Recovery Foods
During the wisdom tooth recovery process, eating solid foods will be off the table for a few days. Because of the delicate state of your mouth, eating solid foods could dislodge the blood clots and extend your recovery time. Eat soft foods that protect the state of your surgery site and enable a successful recovery.
Other Tips for Your Recovery
There are so many different ways to optimise your recovery from wisdom teeth removal. Some other tips for a successful recovery include:
- Keep your head propped up
- Avoid lying flat
- Rest a lot
- Change your gauze when it becomes blood soaked
- Avoid smoking
- Wait at least a week before drinking with a straw
- Limit speaking after surgery
Remove Your Wisdom Teeth With Dental Professionals at Coast Family Dental
When you’re ready to remove your wisdom teeth, call Coast Family Dental. Our family-owned and operated practice provides patients with personalised services and custom plans based on their needs. We take pride in using the best tools and techniques in the industry to improve our patients’ oral health.
For more information about wisdom tooth recovery, call (07) 5437 9000 and request a new patient appointment from Coast Family Dental.