Aftercare instructions are critical for a healthy and quick recovery. It is very common to have swelling on your wisdom teeth; all you have to do is follow the important guidelines provided by your dentist to get relief from the swelling, pain, and other complications you were experiencing.
What to do immediately following a Wisdom Tooth Extraction
- To reduce bleeding, place a gauze pad over the surgery site.
- Apply a cold pack to the cheeks outside the wisdom teeth removal site for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off to reduce swelling.
- Reduce your activities for one or two days.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking because they can disrupt blood clots and make you prone to dry socket.
- Sucking through a straw can have the same effect, so avoid it for atleast 10-15 days.
- To relieve pain and discomfort, use over-the-counter pain relievers.
How to Reduce Swelling after Wisdom Teeth Extraction
- Apply an ice pack – Apply an ice pack to your cheek for 20 minutes, then remove it for another 20 minutes. Repeat this process for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. This will help to numb the area and reduce swelling.
- Keep your head elevated – While lying down, use pillows to keep your head elevated. This can help reduce swelling by reducing blood flow to the affected area.
- Take Pain Killers – Following the surgery, your dentist or oral surgeon will most likely prescribe pain medication. Take it exactly as directed to help reduce swelling and pain.
- Eat soft foods – Hard or crunchy foods should be avoided for the first few days after surgery because they can irritate the area and worsen swelling. Stick to soft, easily digestible foods such as soup, yoghurt, and mashed potatoes.
- Rinse your mouth gently – Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water several times per day to help keep the area clean and reduce inflammation.
- Quit Smoking – Smoking can slow the healing process and exacerbate swelling. If possible, refrain from smoking for at least 24 hours after surgery.
How Long Does Swelling Last After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Swelling after wisdom tooth removal is normal and can last for several days. The duration of swelling depends on a number of factors, including the number of teeth extracted, the difficulty of the extraction, and your personal healing process.
Swelling usually peaks around the second or third day after surgery and then gradually subsides over the next few days. Most of the swelling should have gone down by the end of the first week, but some residual swelling may still be present.
How Can I Stop the Tooth Extraction Location From Bleeding?
- Bite down on gauze – Your dentist or oral surgeon will apply gauze over the extraction site right afterwards and instruct you to bite down firmly on it for between 30 and 45 minutes. This will assist in stopping the bleeding at the extraction site and forming a blood clot.
- Apply ice to your cheek – Apply an ice pack to the area near the extraction site for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels, which can help stop bleeding.
- Avoid rinsing or spitting – Rinsing or spitting your mouth for at least 24 hours after the extraction can dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding to resume.
- Avoid smoking and drinking through a straw – Suction in the mouth caused by smoking or drinking through a straw can dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding.
- Keep your head elevated – While lying down, use pillows to keep your head elevated. This can help stop bleeding by reducing blood flow to the affected area.
