A wisdom tooth usually develops in the gums between 17 and 25 years of age. Wisdom teeth are impacted if they are trapped in your gums or jawbone, or not fully grown in alignment with the rest of your teeth. The impacted wisdom teeth must be removed by an experienced dentist to prevent future oral problems such as pain and infection.
Read more to learn about the aftercare measures of wisdom teeth removal.
How Do You Know If You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
You may need to undergo wisdom teeth removal if:
- Your wisdom tooth erupts at a wrong angle
- You have cavities or gum disease
- There is no space in your mouth for an extra set of molars
- You experience jaw stiffness, swelling, and pain in the back of your mouth
How Long Does It Take for Full Recovery from a Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Usually, it takes a few weeks to fully recover from a wisdom tooth removal, but the healing time varies for everyone. It may take a long time if your wisdom teeth are impacted. After the procedure, you may experience little to no pain and slight discomfort, bruising, and swelling in your face for 3 to 4 days. You can speed up your recovery process by following your dentist’s instructions properly.
What Is the Best Food to Eat After Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Once your wisdom teeth are extracted, make sure to eat foods that can reduce complications such as swelling and pain, provide nourishment, and assist the healing process. You should eat foods that are soft, easy to chew, and contain sufficient nutrients, including yogurt cheese, mashed potatoes, and more.
What Are the Dos and Don'ts After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Here are some tips for wisdom tooth removal aftercare:
DO'S
- Apply an ice pack on your face to control or slow down skin color changes or swelling
- Exercise your jaw gently by opening and closing your mouth
- Use a warm wet towel to treat a sore jaw
- Eat soft foods such as rice, pasta, and soup
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Start brushing your teeth from the second day of your surgery, but do not brush against any blood clots
- Take the medications prescribed by your dentist to ease your pain or swelling
- Visit your dentist if you have a fever or your pain or swelling persist
DON'TS
- Don’t drink through a straw, as it may loosen the blood clots that are healing your mouth
- Don’t rinse your mouth too harshly
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol
- Don’t eat foods that are hard, crunchy, and sticky
- Don’t drink hot beverages
You should follow these recommendations for the first 24 hours to a few days after your wisdom teeth extraction. Contact Urbandale Smiles to know more about wisdom tooth removal and other oral problems.
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