Recovering after surgery to remove wisdom teeth is often a dreaded process...but it doesn't have to be! Here are some tips, tricks and what to expect when you become 4 (or 5 or 6) wisdom teeth lighter...
Make sure someone is around to keep an eye on you when you arrive home from surgery. It's a great idea for you and this person to read over your postoperative and medication instructions prior to the day of surgery and ask your doctor any questions you may have.
Rest as much as possible for the next 3-7 days. Keep your head slightly elevated on the first day...maybe sleep in a comfy recliner or use two pillows. Save your nice pillowcases from getting tinted red by placing a towel between it and your face. Have ice packs or frozen peas ready for your cheeks for the first few days, and then apply warm compresses on the third to fifth days; this will help you avoid the oh-so-fashionable chipmunk look.
Warm salt water rinses will be your best friend after the first 24 hours. However, don't swish or spit forcefully or even use a straw! Just tilt your head from side to side and let the water fall into the sink when your done. What is the point of that?? Well, any of those forceful motions can dislodge the blood clots that are forming in the sockets, and if you're left with an empty hole that food and bacteria can creep into you may end up with a dry socket...this will not be a pleasant experience.
Stock up on liquid or soft foods for the week after extractions. Adding protein powder to a milkshake or smoothie is a good way to feel fuller longer. You should avoid anything too spicy or hot and definitely nothing with little seeds that can get caught in the sockets.
List of suggested foods:
Smoothies Mashed Potatoes Instant Breakfast
Liquid Nutrition Drinks Apple Sauce, Popsicles Cream Soups
Yogurt, Pudding, Jello Ice Cream, Milkshakes :-) Water, Juice
Day three is often the worst as far as pain and swelling so don't be alarmed. Vomiting can unfortunately be a nasty side effect of surgery/sedation or narcotics, so your doctor may prescribe you an anti-nausea medicine. This won't cause damage to the extractions sites, though. Just gently rinse your mouth afterwards.
Wisdom tooth removal is a complex surgery involving skin, muscle, bone and nerves, so it is wise to follow all post-op instructions closely. Stay on top of your pain meds and rest, rest, rest!
Want more details on postop care? Click here.
No comments:
Post a Comment