After-care guide to wisdom teeth removal

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It is estimated that 95 percent of American teenagers develop impacted wisdom teeth. While not generally detrimental to health, impacted wisdom teeth are generally recommended to be removed if they pose the risk of gum disease. Most individuals opt for the removal because it also frees up space in the mouth and relieves pressure on the jaw structure. The actual procedure will take a maximum of a few hours. Being a generally standard dental practice, recovery time and after-care guidelines are short and easy to follow. Still, it is important to take the following into consideration after undergoing the procedure:

There may be bleeding and/or swelling: There may be some oozing of blood during the first day after a wisdom teeth removal. Patients should avoid excessive spitting so as not to dislodge the blood clot and encourage the recovery process. Patients should also replace the gauze over the extraction site at the recommended time frame set by their dentists. Bruising and swelling may also occur. For these cases, an ice pack is used as directed by the dentist or surgeon.

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Avoid smoking and drink plenty of water: This is a simple extraction process, but it is still a traumatic event for the body. In order to hasten the recovery process, patients should drink plenty of water after the surgery and avoid tobacco use for at least 72 hours after the procedure.

Be careful around the site: Most dentists will tell their patients to not brush, rinse, spit, or use mouthwash during the first 24 hours after surgery. Normal dental activities can resume after that, although one should be particularly gentle around the wound and rinse their mouth with warm salt water every two hours and after their meals for around a week.

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Following these guidelines should make the recovery process painless and easy. If there is excessive bleeding, swelling, or pain after 24 hours, patients should see their dentist or surgeon immediately.

Dr. John Pasqual is a practiced oral surgeon. Find out more about oral health by following this Facebook page.