Content

• Steps

Extraction of wisdom teeth performed by a dentist or oral surgeon requires meticulous and careful post-operative care to ensure a quick and complete recovery. If you do not clean your teeth properly, you could develop an infection or inflammation, also known as "dry alveolar inflammation". Dry alveolar inflammation usually occurs in about 20% of the lower wisdom tooth extraction area, so you need to take careful precautions after surgery. It is best to take care of your mouth for at least a week after your wisdom teeth are removed with a few simple procedures that don't take too much time or effort.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Teeth Cleaning

1. 

   Change the gauze as directed by your doctor. After the wisdom tooth removal surgery, the doctor will place a sterile gauze pad in the area where the tooth was extracted. Usually, you should change the gauze after an hour or so if necessary. If the socket continues to bleed, replace the sterile gauze every 30-45 minutes and gently bite on the gauze. Bleeding should not last for more than a few hours after surgery. If more bleeding continues, call your dentist or oral surgeon right away.
   • Seeing some blood ooze From the newly extracted area within 24 - 48 hours after surgery is completely normal. This ooze is mainly saliva with a little blood. If you notice more than normal leakage, this means excessive bleeding and you should call your doctor right away.

2. 

   
   
   Avoid brushing your teeth the first day after tooth extraction. Do not brush your teeth, spit, or rinse your mouth with a mouthwash for the first day after surgery. This can interfere with recovery and make things worse, such as dry alveolar inflammation or infection.
   • The first 24 hours after wisdom tooth removal is crucial for the recovery process. Therefore, brushing or applying some other oral cleaning method can affect the stitches in a bad way or hinder the blood clotting, which will prolong the healing process or the whole process. cause the infection.

3. 

   
   
   Do not brush the area where the tooth was recently extracted for 3 days. After the surgery, it is important to avoid brushing the area where the wisdom teeth were removed for 3 days. Instead, start the day by rinsing your mouth with ½ cup of warm water and a pinch of salt.
   • Do not drink salt water. It is better to tilt your head slightly from side to side so the brine can wash the wisdom tooth extraction site, and then tilt your head to the side so that the brine will drain out on its own.

4. 

   
   
   Brush your teeth slowly and carefully. On the day of the extraction, continue to brush your teeth gently. Stay away from the area where the wisdom tooth was extracted so as not to cause inflammation of the alveoli or prevent blood clotting, thereby helping to protect this area more effectively.
   • Use a soft bristle brush and gently and slowly brush your teeth in small circular motions.
   • Do not spit out toothpaste for the first few days after surgery. This can affect blood clotting because blood needs to be coagulated on the injured gum area. Instead, gently rinse your mouth with a saline solution or disinfectant mouthwash, and then let the rinse liquid flow out on its own until it is dry by tilting your head to the side.

5. 

   Continue your usual brushing and flossing routine for the 3rd day after wisdom teeth removal. By the 3rd day of surgery, you can continue brushing and cleaning with flossing as usual. Of course, still have to gently brush with the wisdom tooth extraction area to avoid alveolar inflammation.
   • When brushing your teeth, be sure to brush your tongue to remove food debris and bacteria, as they can get into the affected gum area and cause infection.

6. 

   Watch for any signs of infection. If you follow your doctor's instructions correctly and keep your teeth clean, the risk of infection is very low. It is important to see your doctor right away if you notice any signs of infection to avoid complications after surgery.
   • See a dentist right away if you have some problems swallowing and breathing, have a high fever, pus near the wisdom tooth extraction area or in the nose, or the site of the extraction is severely swollen.
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Part 2 of 3: Oral Hygiene

1. 

   Gargle with salt water. The day after surgery, you should start using a simple solution, like salt water, to keep your teeth clean the day you don't brush your teeth. This not only keeps the mouth clean, but also reduces the risk of alveolar inflammation.
   • Make your own brine solution by dissolving 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 235 ml of warm water.
   • Gently rinse your mouth with the saline solution for about 30 seconds. Do not drink salt water; instead, tilt your head to one side so that the brine slowly drains out until it is empty. This will avoid damaging the empty teeth.
   • Gargling with salt water after each meal will help to get rid of any leftover food crumbs in your mouth.
   • You can also use mouthwash to clean your mouth if they do not contain alcohol, as this is an ingredient that can infect the area where wisdom teeth were removed.

2. 

   Consider using a water spray for oral cleaning. Your doctor can provide you with a water spray or small plastic syringe, so that you can clean your mouth. Use the device after every meal and before bedtime if this is advice from your doctor.
   • Your doctor may also prescribe you a water sprayer to clean the extraction area underneath. Follow your doctor's instructions.
   • You can also pump a saline solution into a spray machine.
   • Try to keep the tip of the sprayer close to where the wisdom tooth was removed to clean it.You can also use this to keep your teeth clean. This process can be a bit numb and painful, but keeping the mouth and the extraction site clean can help reduce the risk of infection or alveolar inflammation.

3. 

   Do not use a water flosser. The water pressure from the tool is often too strong; therefore, you should not use them immediately after surgery as this can damage the drive and slow recovery. Unless your dentist specifically recommends it, stay away from the water flosser for about 1 week after your wisdom tooth is removed. advertisement

Part 3 of 3: Oral Care after Wisdom Teeth Extraction

1. 

   Do not use a straw. For the first few days after surgery, you should not use a straw to drink beverages or light foods, like smoothies. This can interfere with the recovery process.

2. 

   Drink a lot of water. It is important that you drink plenty of fluids after wisdom tooth removal surgery. This will keep your mouth moist and help prevent dry alveolar inflammation and infection.
   • Say no to carbonated or caffeinated beverages during the first few days.
   • Stay away from alcohol for at least a week after surgery.

3. 

   Do not drink hot water. Hot water, like tea, coffee, or cocoa can break the blood clots that form in the empty cavities where wisdom teeth used to grow. These blood clots are essential for recovery.

4. 

   Chew soft or liquid food. Don't eat anything that could get caught in an empty socket or disrupt blood clotting. Chew with another tooth if you have to chew your food. This will reduce the risk of food getting stuck between the teeth and potentially causing an infection.
   • During the first day of surgery, eating yogurt and using apple sauce will not irritate the mouth or get stuck in the teeth and cause infection. Soft oatmeal or cream of wheat is also considered a good choice.
   • Stay away from hard, chewy, crunchy, hot, and spicy foods as they can infect the wisdom tooth extraction site or get stuck in between your teeth, increasing your risk of infection.
   • Gargle with warm salt water after every meal for the first week after surgery.

5. 

   No smoking. If you smoke or chew tobacco, say goodbye to them for as long as possible. This will help ensure a full and timely recovery, and also prevent infection and inflammation of the alveoli.
   • Chewing medication after wisdom tooth removal can delay recovery, as well as increase your risk of complications, such as infection.
   • If you want to smoke, wait at least after 72 hours.
   • If you use chewing tobacco, don't continue this routine for at least a week.

6. 

   Take pain relievers. It is normal to have sharp pain within a few days of wisdom tooth removal. Using over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can help relieve pain and swelling.
   • Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also called NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. This can help reduce swelling caused by surgery. You might also consider taking acetaminophen, but this drug is not effective in preventing infection.
   • Your doctor may also prescribe pain relievers if an over-the-counter medication isn't working for you.

7. 

   Use a cooler to relieve pain and reduce swelling. You may experience swelling in the first few days after surgery. This is normal, and holding the cold pack against your cheeks will help reduce swelling and sharp pain around your teeth.
   • The swelling usually goes away after 2-3 days.
   • The patient should rest and avoid vigorous exercise or exercise until the swelling is restored.
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