Emergency Wisdom Tooth Removal: Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Wisdom teeth are the final molars to emerge, usually in your late teens or early 20s. Unfortunately, they can become impacted and cause pain. Sometimes, they may safely emerge but can be hard to clean because of their location, so they become more prone to decay. Emergency wisdom tooth removal is among the most common procedures dentists perform to eliminate the problem and reduce your risk of further infection. You can book the service with a reputable emergency dentist in Lynnwood and have the infected or impacted tooth removed as soon as possible.
As with any tooth extraction, the process requires meticulous aftercare for smooth healing. Your dentist will advise you on what to do and may prescribe medications for pain management and infection control, but here are other things you can do to recover well.
Don’t forget to apply pressure with clean gauze.
Your blood should clot in the removal site to keep the area sanitary and close the wound. It also allows the surrounding gum tissue to regenerate and permanently close the wound. To help with blood clotting, your dentist will apply a lump of gauze to cover the site. All you have to do is bite down on it gently to prevent it from shifting. This pressure will restrict blood flow but don’t bite too hard, as that could push the gauze deeper and reopen the wound. Continue applying pressure with the gauze for around five minutes, and repeat when bleeding reoccurs.
Apply ice
You might experience bruising and swelling after emergency wisdom tooth removal, so apply ice on your jaw near the removal site. Hold it firmly in place for 20 minutes, and take a break for 20 minutes before reapplying. You can do this as much as possible in the first 48 hours following your surgery.
Don’t forget your meds and rest up.
Ask your dentist about safe pain relievers you can take while recovering from wisdom teeth surgery. While recovering, avoid doing any strenuous activities and get as much rest as you can to help your body heal.
Choose your food well.
Avoid chewy or hard food during this time, as it could loosen the blood clot and reopen the surgical wound. You might have to settle for Jell-O, soups, or porridge for a while.
Clean your mouth properly.
You still need to disinfect and clean your mouth after emergency wisdom tooth removal, but do them carefully to avoid reopening the wound. Brush gently, especially near the surgery site. Your dentist may also recommend a special mouth rinse for a few days.
Get more tips from an emergency dentist.
Recovering from emergency wisdom tooth removal shouldn’t be intimidating with a friendly dentist. Look no further than Lynnwood Dental Studio! Call (425) 778–5665 or book through their website.