Do these 3 things after wisdom teeth removal

Wisdom teeth — a third set of molars in the back of your mouth — usually appear between ages 17 and 25. Some people have them taken out, while others never have the need. In fact, about 5 million Americans have theirs removed in the course of a year.

Wisdom teeth are usually extracted because:

• They’re impacted (trapped in gums or jawbone).
• They’re growing in at the wrong angle and pressing against other teeth.
• The jaw doesn’t have room for them.
• They are causing pain.
• Cavities or gum disease have developed.

Wisdom tooth extraction is usually performed as an outpatient operation, so you can go home the same day. Your dentist or oral surgeon will use a local anesthetic to numb the areas around the tooth or teeth to be extracted. You will usually be offered sedation, so you are more comfortable during the procedure.

Take proper care with these three steps that can decrease post-surgery complications.

1. Prevent dry sockets.

Dry sockets occur after about 5% of tooth extractions.  They are most common in wisdom tooth extraction on the lower jaw. A dry socket happens when a blood clot doesn’t form properly at the site of the extraction or dislodges before the area is healed. Symptoms show up a couple of days after surgery and include pain in the extraction site that may spread to the ear, cause bad breath, and leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Avoid vigorously rinsing your mouth for 24 hours after surgery. If you are a smoker, don’t smoke for at least 48 hours to aid the healing process and lessen the chance of dislodging a blood clot. It would be a good time to quit the habit that contributes to serious oral health problems, including oral cancers and gum disease.

2. Watch what you eat and drink.

For at least 24 hours after surgery, eat small bites of soft foods that require little chewing, like eggs and applesauce. If you eat soup, make sure it’s not too hot.

Avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods that can irritate the area that is healing. Stay hydrated by sipping water – without a straw. Sucking through a straw can dislodge healthy blood clots and cause dry sockets.

3. Treat your discomfort.

Expect some soreness after surgery. To help ease your discomfort:

• Make sure to follow your dentist’s recommendations concerning pain medication, activity, and food and drink.
• Use an ice pack to decrease swelling. Then switch to moist heat after 36 hours (microwave a wet towel and wrap it around a hot water bottle or heat pack).
• Gently open and close your mouth to exercise your jaw.
• Get enough rest.

And keep taking care of your mouth. You can gently brush your teeth, even those close to the extraction site, to decrease bacteria present in the area. Lightly rinse with warm salt water to help remove food debris from packing into the open socket and to help keep the mouth clean.

You will likely recover from wisdom teeth removal in a week or less. However, the spot where your tooth was will heal and fill in with new bone for the next few months. If you experience any ongoing pain, contact your dentist right away.