Table of Contents

• Extraction Aftercare Tip #1: Control Bleeding
• Extraction Aftercare Tip #2: Manage Pain and Swelling
• Extraction Aftercare Tip #3: Avoid Suction and Pressure
• Extraction Aftercare Tip #4: Follow a Gentle Oral Hygiene Routine
• Extraction Aftercare Tip #5: Stick to a Soft Food Diet
• Extraction Aftercare Tip #6: Keep in Touch with Your Dentist
• Extraction Aftercare Tip #7: Get Plenty of Essential Rest
• Trust Us with Your Upcoming Wisdom Tooth Extraction

For many dental patients, getting wisdom tooth extraction is one of the first times they’ll ever undergo a major dental procedure. While this service can be incredibly daunting, it is a common procedure that helps prevent long-term discomfort and oral health complications. However, what you do after this procedure can make a major difference in your overall recovery.

Following the appropriate extraction aftercare tips can help you ensure a quick, comfortable recovery process, free from any complications. But, without experience undergoing a dental procedure like this, you may not know where to begin this process. In this blog, we’ll explore several extraction aftercare tips that can keep you free from post-procedure complications.

Extraction Aftercare Tip #1: Control Bleeding

In the first 30 to 60 minutes following your wisdom tooth extraction, the most important tip you need to follow is controlling your bleeding. After the extraction, your dental team will pack the area gauze pads to slow bleeding. This gauze should be removed 2 hours after leaving the office. While you may not need more than the initial gauze pad, this isn’t always the case. 

Remove the first gauze pads and repack the area with clean gauze. Check the pads to determine whether they are clean or lightly spotted with pink saliva, which indicates you don’t need to continue using it. If they are still bleeding, replace the gauze. However, if you’re soaking through the gauze or still bleeding 4 hours post-procedure, contact your dentist for support. 

Extraction Aftercare Tip #2: Manage Pain and Swelling

Once you’ve controlled your bleeding, it is time to turn your attention to the next extraction aftercare tip. You’ll want to focus on reducing facial swelling and managing discomfort in your gums and jaw. Following your procedure, your dentist may prescribe a pain medication or discuss over-the-counter pain medication options.

It is best to stay ahead of your discomfort, so take your pain medication before your anesthetic wears off, and as recommended to prevent pain. Additionally, you can manage swelling with ice packs. Apply them to your face for 20 minutes and then allow a 20 minute break, continuing this while you are experiencing this swelling to cool the treated area and reduce overall pain. 

Extraction Aftercare Tip #3: Avoid Suction and Pressure

Another important part of your extraction aftercare is avoiding suction and pressure in the immediate aftermath. To avoid suction and pressure, it is essential that you don’t use straws, smoke cigarettes, or spit forcefully in the first week after your procedure. Choosing to ignore this tip can lead to an incredibly uncomfortable complication known as dry socket. 

This complication occurs when the blood clot that forms at the site of the extraction is dislodged, leading to the exposure of the underlying bone and nerve ending, which results in extreme pain. While it can be difficult, you should also try to avoid forceful coughs and sneezes when possible, as this can increase pressure in your mouth.

Extraction Aftercare Tip #4: Follow a Gentle Oral Hygiene Routine

It is incredibly important that you don’t skip out on brushing and flossing following your wisdom tooth extraction. However, as a part of your extraction aftercare, there are a few changes you’ll need to make to your everyday oral hygiene routine to protect your fragile and sensitive tissue. Avoid brushing and flossing near the extraction site, as this may lead to major discomfort.

Additionally, avoid spitting and gargling aggressively with oral rinses as this can dislodge the newly formed blood clot. Instead, rinse gently with warm salt water by shifting your head from side to side. When rinsing out toothpaste and saliva, it is best to gently tip your head over the sink to allow it to trickle out without use of force. 

Extraction Aftercare Tip #5: Stick to a Soft Food Diet

In the first few days following your wisdom tooth extraction, you may not have much of an appetite. However, ensuring you’re getting adequate nutrition is an essential part of recovery. While this is important, you also want to ensure you’re sticking to an appropriate diet, as improper foods can lead to even more discomfort. 

Stick to a soft food diet, consisting of yogurt, mashed potatoes, eggs, smoothies, and thin soups. While it can be tempting to eat hot foods, it is best to avoid high temperatures in the first few days after your extraction. You should also avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, and sharp foods that may lead to damage to this already aggravated tissue. 

Extraction Aftercare Tip #6: Keep in Touch with Your Dentist

Following your wisdom tooth extraction, it is essential that you keep in contact with your dental team. While it isn’t common to experience major complications when you follow extraction aftercare tips, there is always a risk of problems arising after a major dental surgery. If you’re experiencing significant pain, don’t hesitate to call your dental team for support. 

Some other symptoms that may indicate you’re experiencing complications include fevers, chills, pus near the extraction site, or a foul taste in your mouth. Your dentist may also schedule an essential post-procedure checkup. It is important to attend this appointment, as your dentist can ensure the extraction site is healing correctly and the blood clot is still intact. 

Extraction Aftercare Tip #7: Get Plenty of Essential Rest

The last step in your extraction aftercare is ensuring you get plenty of rest, especially in the first few days after the procedure. Your body does its best healing when you are at rest, so take these few days after your extraction to get plenty of sleep. You should also avoid heavy lifting and bending to pick up objects. 

While rest is important, you should also ensure you’re resting appropriately. Keep your head elevated for at least 48 hours after the procedure, as this can help reduce swelling. By coupling your rest with other extraction aftercare tips like icing and taking prescribed pain medications, you can ensure a quick, comfortable recovery. 

Trust Us with Your Upcoming Wisdom Tooth Extraction

One of the most important parts of wisdom tooth extraction is working with a reliable dental team for this project. Whether you’re dealing with impacted teeth or you need a simple extraction, our team at Mills River Family Dental is here to help. We understand how daunting this procedure can be, which is why we’re here to offer expert support, from compassionate care in the office to extraction aftercare tips.

When you are ready to schedule wisdom tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to contact our team.