How to Manage Swelling and Discomfort After Wisdom Tooth Removal
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The wisdom tooth removal process is critical for ensuring the protection and safety of the rest of your teeth. Wisdom tooth extraction can reduce pain and irritation, plus it ensures your remaining dental structures will remain stable. But after the extraction procedure, you will experience some swelling and discomfort. Our dentists at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA have a few tips you can use to manage these problems following the extraction.
Be sure to keep ice packs readily available
Ice packs can work outside the extraction site to reduce the intensity of the swelling. Be sure when using an ice pack that there’s enough insulation and padding and that you’re not directly applying ice to the skin. Directly placing ice can be irritating, but a well-padded ice pack will be more comfortable.
Eat softer foods
Your diet is essential to keeping the discomfort from the procedure under control. Be sure to stick with soft foods in your diet for a few days after the extraction. Colder and softer foods, like yogurt and pudding, are helpful at the beginning of the recovery process. You can move on to pasta, eggs, and other soft foods after a few days. Be sure to also avoid using straws because the pressure you produce with a straw can harm a blood clot and cause it to become loose, resulting in further bleeding.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines will help
Some anti-inflammatory medications can also reduce the swelling and discomfort you experience. Ibuprofen can work well, but the amount you’ll require will vary surrounding your situation and how well you can manage the irritation. You can ask us at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA about what can work and if you require further assistance.
Be sure to get enough rest
Resting following the procedure is also critical to your health and the recovery process. Avoid excessive physical activity for a few days after the extraction, especially as you recover from whatever anesthetic medication was used during the wisdom tooth extraction. Be sure you also provide enough cover over the extraction site to promote blood clotting. Getting back to your routine after the process can be dangerous, as it could cause those clots to reopen.
Saltwater rinsing will keep the wound clean
You can also use a saltwater rinse to clean the extraction sites and keep bacteria from forming. Our dentists can advise you on how a rinse can work, as it will be necessary for a few days before you can get back to brushing your teeth once more.
Don’t forget to watch how you brush your teeth after you can again. You must avoid the extraction sites when brushing to not irritate the clots and potentially cause them to open once more.
Contact us today for more information about a wisdom tooth extraction
Our wisdom tooth extraction services can help protect your smile and reduce the pains or irritation you might feel in your mouth. But be sure when recovering from the extraction that you follow all aftercare instructions to reduce the threat of irritation and harm. You can request our services at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA today. Contact us to learn more about our team approach and how we can serve your dental care needs.