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Dos and Don’ts After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars in your mouth. They usually come through in your late teens and early 20s, and they can cause a range of common problems when they do. About 85% of the population needs one or more wisdom teeth removed at some point in their lives. That can be a hassle, but it doesn’t need to be a daunting experience.

Having your wisdom teeth extracted is a job for an experienced dentist or oral surgeon. The procedure can be performed in your dentist’s office, or it can be performed under general anaesthesia if that makes you more comfortable. Whatever you choose to do, caring for your mouth after a tooth extraction is an important part of the process. In this article we’ll discuss what to expect after your procedure, as well as some of the dos and don’ts after wisdom tooth extraction.


What to Expect After Having Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Having one or more wisdom teeth removed is a serious dental procedure. You should expect some swelling, pain and a small amount of bleeding for the next day or two after the surgery. Recovery is likely to take a few days, but it takes about 3-4 weeks to complete the healing process. After 3-4 weeks it’s normal to experience some sensitivity at the extraction site, but this shouldn’t cause serious pain.

Your dentist will provide pain relief that’s suitable for your procedure. That may include over the counter painkillers, as well as prescription pain relief. You should discuss pain relief with our team before your procedure. We’ll help you figure out the best solution for your situation and provide prescriptions where necessary.

Contact your dentist if you experience excessive side effects, such as major bleeding or pain. Major side effects can be a sign that something is wrong and shouldn’t be ignored.


Dos After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

After having your wisdom teeth extracted, you should:

  1. Follow your dentist's advice. First and foremost, you should follow your dentist’s advice. It’s common for dentists to provide an information pack that includes instructions on how to care for your mouth after the procedure. Read that document carefully and follow the instructions carefully.

  2. Book a follow up appointment. If your dentist places non-dissolving stitches, you will need to book an appointment to have them removed.

  3. Take time to rest. It’s normal to experience some pain and discomfort immediately after your procedure. Make sure you take the day to rest, and stick to light activity for the next week. Avoid any strenuous activities that could dislodge the blood clot in the tooth socket.

  4. Drink plenty of water. Stick to drinking water for at least 24 hours after your tooth extraction.

  5. Stick to soft foods for 24 hours. You will need to eat soft foods such as yoghurt for the first 24 hours after your procedure. You can start eating semi-soft foods (such as soft cooked vegetables, mince meats and whole cooked eggs) once you are comfortable to do so. 

  6. Rinse your mouth with salt water. You should avoid rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction. After that, rinse your mouth every 2-3 hours with warm, salty water for the next week.


Don’ts After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

After having your wisdom teeth extracted, you should avoid:

  1. Drinking alcohol, carbonated and hot beverages. Avoid drinking anything other than water for at least 24 hours after surgery.

  2. Using a straw. Don’t drink through a straw for at least 1 week. The suction created when using a straw can dislodge the blood clot from the tooth socket.

  3. Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. Tobacco products can delay healing and increase the risk of complications. Avoid using any tobacco products for at least 72 hours, but wait longer if possible.

  4. Eating hard, chewy, hot or spicy foods. You’ll need to eat soft and semi-soft foods for several days after your surgery. Avoid eating any foods that are chewy, hot, spicy or hard. These foods can aggravate the surgical site or dislodge the blood clot.

  5. Cleaning your mouth for 24 hours. You will usually be asked not to brush your teeth for 24 hours. After that, you should clean your teeth carefully to avoid aggravating the wound or dislodging the blood clot.


Explore Pain-Free Wisdom Tooth Extraction at Camira Dental

Having your wisdom teeth removed can seem like a daunting experience. It’s a major process by dental standards, and many of our patients are nervous about the procedure and the aftercare.

To make sure your experience is a positive one, the dentist Ipswich team at Camira Dental specialises in pain-free wisdom tooth extraction. If you need one or more of your wisdom teeth removed, we provide patient-centred care to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. We use innovative, pain-free techniques, and we always supply appropriate prescription painkillers where required.

If you are having trouble with your wisdom teeth, or if you are concerned about your general dental health, get in touch with Camira Dental and book an appointment today.