How To Recover From Wisdom Tooth Surgery

If you're about to have wisdom tooth surgery, your doctor has probably told you everything you can expect during the surgery. It's also likely that your doctor already told you what to do before surgery so that you are prepared for the big day.

When the surgery is over, you will need to recover. If you're unsure about this part of your journey, here are some tips on what to expect.

Some Discomfort

Unfortunately, there is very little you can do to prevent the pain that will follow your surgery. To clarify, you may not feel pain for a few hours after the surgery, but once the anesthetic starts to wear off, you will start feeling discomfort. This is why you need to start taking painkillers immediately. 

Your doctor will prescribe the right ones for you. In some cases, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics as well following your surgery. This will help to ward off a possible infection.

Swelling Often Happens

Another thing you can expect is that there will be a lot of swelling. Your cheeks may become swollen, and the inside of your mouth might swell as well. Nothing is alarming about this. It is normal.

The first few days after surgery will be the roughest ones. After a while, these symptoms will start subsiding. You can use an ice pack on your face to help reduce the swelling during the first few days.

Dietary Changes

You may have to make some dietary changes while you are recovering from your wisdom tooth surgery. Your jaw may become stiff and hard to open for a few days. Do not force the issue; instead, try to eat soft foods and soups during this time. This will help your jaw heal a lot faster.

Sensitive Teeth

You may find that the teeth near the extraction site become sensitive after surgery. This is also normal, and it is something that will go away on its own as your jaw begins to heal. Even with sensitive teeth, you can often brush your teeth the day after surgery. However, ask your dentist to be sure. 

Naturally, when you brush your teeth, you need to be as gentle as possible, especially near the sight of extraction. Make sure that you are using a very soft brush.

The period after wisdom tooth surgery can be very challenging, but with the tips discussed here, you can get over the hurdle very easily.

Contact an oral surgeon for more information. 

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