What To Expect After Wisdom Tooth Removal
In most cases, the recovery period is only a few days. The following tips will help with you post removal recovery.
- Bite gently on the gauze pad periodically, and change pads as they become soaked with blood.
- While your mouth is numb, be careful not to bite the inside of your cheek or lip, or your tongue.
- Do not lie flat. This may prolong bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows.
- Try using a cold compress on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours. You can use moist heat-such as a washcloth soaked in warm water, for the following 2 or 3 days.
- Relax after surgery. Physical activity may increase bleeding.
- Eat soft foods, such as gelatin, pudding, or a thin soup. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as healing progresses.
- Do not use a straw for the first few days. Sucking on a straw can loosen the blood clot and delay healing.
- Do not smoke for at least 24 hours after your surgery. The sucking motion can loosen the clot and delay healing. Also, smoking decreases the blood supply and can bring germs and contaminants to the surgery area.
- Avoid rubbing the area with your tongue or touching it with your fingers.