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Post Wisdom Tooth Removal Advice

The eruption of wisdom teeth causes pain and discomfort when the jaw is not large enough to accommodate this third set of molars. While some people can avoid wisdom tooth extraction, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), an estimated 85 percent will eventually require removal of these teeth. Pain and swelling following wisdom tooth extraction can be treated with appropriate home care.

  1. The First Days

    • After the extraction, a gauze pad will be placed in the tooth sockets to protect the extraction site and allow a blood clot to form over the site. These pads must be changed as they fill with blood. If your dentist does not give you a supply of gauze pads, you can buy them at a drugstore. Bleeding will slow after a few hours, but still may continue from time to time during the first 24 hours. You may notice that your saliva looks a little bloody for several days following the extraction.

      Pain can be relieved with the prescription medication prescribed by your dentist. As your pain begins to subside, you may be able to switch to over-the-counter pain relievers. Ice packs applied to the jaw may also help relieve pain or swelling. Using several pillows to elevate your head while you sleep will help prevent further swelling of the area.

    Brushing Your Teeth

    • During the first day or two following wisdom tooth extraction, use a mixture of 1 tsp. salt and 1 cup of warm water to rinse your mouth every two to three hours. To avoid pain and infection, avoid brushing the teeth closest to the extraction site for a few days. After a few days, begin brushing the back teeth using a soft brush. As the area heals, you can revert to your normal brushing procedure.

    Eating

    • It will be difficult to chew solid foods at first and you will need to restrict your diet to soft foods, such as pudding, yogurt, jello, ice cream and mashed potatoes. As you begin to heal, you can gradually begin eating more solid food. Rice and food with small seeds should be avoided until the socket has begun to close over. If you eat these foods too soon, they can become stuck in the socket, causing pain and the potential for infection.

    Complications

    • Bleeding usually slows after the first day of your recovery. Bleeding that doesn't stop or increases is a cause for concern and should be evaluated by your dentist. A dry socket may form if the protective clot of blood over the extraction site is dislodged. When this happens, the bone is exposed to the air or food, causing significant pain. A dry socket is treated with a medicated dressing applied to the extraction site. Other potential complications include temporary or permanent nerve damage or damage to nearby teeth or dental work.

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