Aftercare Related to a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

If your wisdom tooth needs to be extracted, yours is not an exceptional case. In fact most people with a wisdom tooth have that particular set of molars misaligned in general. Therefore an extraction becomes obvious. Sometimes, a tooth would erupt partially or in a crooked manner that trap food particles very stubbornly. This harbors bacteria that causes infection in course of time. This infection might be manifested in terms of pain, jaw stiffness, swelling and even fever! The abnormal positioning of the tooth could also lead to a gum disease. This is another reason why extraction remains to be the only way out sometimes.

Why are Wisdom Tooth Pull-Outs Painful?

A wisdom tooth pull-out could be a really painful process. The possible reasons for this are:

• • It somewhat involves the damage the adjacent teeth, nerves or the jawbone.
  • Recovery time differs from person to person. Recovery may take longer if blood clots become dislodged from the wound.
  • The wound could become infected too.

Therefore, the post extraction attention completely shifts to what kind of diet to be followed such that the pain and discomfort diminishes gradually. Foods that are recommended by dentists during this time are usually liquids like soups and soft foods (boiled mashed vegetables) and the like. A list of eatables that could be added to your diet could be something like this:

1. 1. Milkshakes and smoothies.
   2. Preferably, seedless fruits with low sugar content. Fruits with small seeds should be avoided.
   3. Mashed bananas: You can go for frozen mashed banana post an extraction.
   4. Mashed potatoes: according to your choice, you can go for regular potatoes and sweet potatoes which are smooth in texture and do not cause discomfort while eating post an extraction.
   5. Mashed veggies: Vegetables such as carrots, broccoli that are rich in nutrients would aid in a post extraction recovery.
   6. Scrambled eggs can be eaten comfortably and they provide the necessary proteins too.
   7. Soft cheeses and yogurt are one of the best things to have if you have an extracted tooth.

Aftercare Associated with an Impacted Tooth Extraction:

Although aftercare varies from case to case, yet, a few general guidelines could always help you through speeding up the healing time, no matter whichever tooth you are extracting. Essential steps to be followed post an extraction surgery are:

• • Painkillers are necessary to be taken.
  • The l gauze pad placed at the extraction site after pulling out the tooth should be left there until about three to four hours post the procedure.
  • Ice bag application in the affected area is extremely effective, but only for 10 minutes at a time. Leaving an ice pack on for too long may result in tissue damage.
  • Rest for 24 hours following the operation and limit your activity for the next couple of days.
  • Spitting, rinsing or using a straw for 24 hours after the procedure is required in order to avoid dislodging the blood clot!
  • After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with a salt solution that has been made in warm water with half a spoon of salt.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • When sleeping, prop your head up with pillows, as lying flat can retard the process of healing.
  • Brushing and flossing should not be avoided at any cost as this would aid in preventing infection.

Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the commonest dental procedures these days. Adhering to the aftercare tips that have been discussed in this article would easily alleviate one out of the post-operative pain and discomfort, if any.