Caring For Your Mouth After A Wisdom Tooth Extraction
When you have a wisdom tooth extracted, caring for your mouth afterwards will help you to heal properly and prevent an infection. Here are just a few things you need to know to avoid complications and manage your pain.
Protect The Blood Clot
After a wisdom tooth extraction, a blood clot will need to form in the space where the tooth used to be. It is important to allow the blood clot to form and avoid any activities that might dislodge the clot. Do not drink through a straw or brush the area where the tooth used to be, as this may cause the blood clot to dislodge.
Eat Soft Foods
Your gums may be sore after the extraction, which can make eating regular foods a bit more difficult. Stick to soft foods, such as applesauce, mashed potatoes and yogurt in the days after the extraction. Be sure to gently rinse your mouth out after you eat to ensure that no food particles become lodged near the extraction sight.
Keep Your Head Elevated
When sleeping or lying down, be sure to keep your head elevated. This will help to prevent excessive bleeding, and it can also keep you more comfortable. Consider using a cooling gel pillow for added comfort, and place an extra pillow cover on the top pillow to prevent staining from blood or discharge as you sleep.
Look For Signs Of Complications
It is important to look for warning signs and symptoms of infection or other complications. If the bleeding becomes excessive or does not stop, head to your local emergency room. Here are just a few other symptoms to look for:
- Discharge from the wound site
- Vomiting
- Chills or fever
- Swelling in your face and jaw
- Warmth at the site of the wound
- Dizziness
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your oral surgeon right away. You can also contact your primary care physician or head to a local urgent care facility for immediate treatment. If possible, have a family member at home with you in the hours after your tooth extraction who can drive you to the oral surgeon's office, hospital or urgent care center if you begin to have complications.
Your oral surgeon will likely give you a set of after-care instructions once your tooth extraction is complete. Follow these instructions and take any pain medications and antibiotics as recommended. Don't hesitate to contact your oral surgeons if you begin to have any complications after your procedure. Contact a business, such as the Altoona Center For Oral Surgery & Maxillofacial Surgery, for more information.
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