Do you have an upcoming wisdom teeth extraction? If so, you likely have questions about your procedure. Removing wisdom teeth can preserve people’s oral health and comfort. These teeth, due to their wide roots and arrival during adulthood, contribute to many oral health complications including abscesses, worn dentition, and orofacial pain.
During your treatment, our oral surgeons and our staff will take all measures necessary to ensure your comfort. After your procedure, you will need to make temporary changes to your daily routine so that you can enjoy an optimal recovery.
Temporary Diet Changes
After wisdom teeth removal, a person will need to adopt a liquid diet. Items like smoothies, broths, and clear liquids are wonderful for staying hydrated and receiving vital nutrients. Within a couple days, patients can begin introducing soft foods like mashed potatoes or pudding into their diets. These changes are only temporary and they are necessary to give your mouth time to heal.
Managing Discomfort
Discomfort after wisdom teeth removal is common but manageable. Some post-extraction discomfort is related to swelling associated with wisdom tooth removal. Moreover, any surgical procedure produces some trauma to tissue.
Managing discomfort after tooth extractions involves taking medications exactly as directed. Patients should also use cold compresses on the outside of their face the first 48 hours after treatment to reduce swelling and increase comfort.
Avoiding Dry Socket
When an entire tooth is removed, a blood clot forms at the empty tooth socket so that the gingiva around the extraction site can heal. To avoid dry socket, follow your doctor’s dietary instructions carefully. Eating food with sharp edges can easily disturb a blood clot. You should also refrain from using straws and touching the extraction site with your tongue or fingers.
Unfortunately, dry socket can develop after a tooth extraction. Dry socket essentially means that the blood clot has been dislodged over an empty tooth socket. Without the clot, the area will not heal. Additionally, dry socket is very uncomfortable. If dry socket develops, call our office as soon as you can.
Wisdom teeth removal is a great investment in your oral health. Give our practice a call if you have questions about treatment.
