Wisdom teeth extraction is a very common dental procedure. Most Americans, usually in the teen and young adult years (but not always), have these molars removed. Referred to as the third molars, wisdom teeth are often extracted when they are overcrowded, decayed, or impacted. Impaction sometimes causes damage to neighboring teeth and can also result in gum inflammation (periodontal disease) and bacterial growth. The simple fix to these and other problems is having the teeth pulled. While the procedure is often quick and easy, the treatment of the extraction sites in your mouth after the procedure is not always so easy. Here are some important guidelines to remember as you heal from wisdom teeth extraction.
Wound Care
Many people will need stitches after wisdom teeth removal. These wounds will need special attention. Right after the surgery, you can gently bite on gauze pads to help slow bleeding. Avoid touching the stitches with your tongue or fingers. Keep the area clean by gently swishing warm salt water, especially after meals. An ice pack can be applied to the jaw and face to relieve swelling and pain. Resume routine oral care as usual. As you brush and floss, be gentle near the stitches.
What to Eat, What Not to Eat
After the removal of your wisdom teeth, your diet will need to change to allow for proper healing. Your diet can slowly return to normal as the extraction sites begin to heal. For a couple of days, you should only eat soft foods such as:
- Applesauce
- Soup
- Smoothies (without seeds)
- Yogurt
- Milkshakes
- Ice Cream
- Gelatin
- Pudding
- Grits
- Hummus
Avoid crunchy foods or foods that are difficult to chew such as:
- Chips
- Crackers
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Steak
You may also want to avoid spicy foods that can irritate the wounds or foods that contain seeds which may become lodged in the stitches. As the days pass and your stitches heal you can gradually add more rigid foods to your meals.
Other Considerations
After your wisdom teeth are removed, a blood clot will form in the vacant space. This clot will protect the nerves and bone in that area as well as help facilitate healing. It is important that this blood clot remain in the socket. Avoid sucking through a straw, blowing your nose, or smoking as these could potentially cause the blood clot to become dislodged (dry socket). This can be extremely painful and slow the healing process. Also avoid vigorous activity for several days after the surgery. This, too, increases the chances for a dry socket.
For more information regarding wisdom teeth removal, please call us, California Dental Group, at 1-800-407-0161 today.
