Dental X-rays are a routine part of dental care by any General Dentist in Jackson MI. Unfortunately, X-rays sometimes reveal things the patient would rather not have to deal with, like impacted wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth extraction is one of the most common reasons for oral surgery; in fact, more than 80% of adults today have had their wisdom teeth removed. If your General Dentist in Jackson MI recommends extraction, remember the following important tips to aid your recovery.
To prevent swelling, use a cold compress on your face where the tooth or teeth were extracted. The cold should be applied for 15 or 20 minutes at a time followed by 20-minute breaks throughout the day for at least two days.
For bleeding, keep a gauze pad in the socket for at least thirty minutes after the surgery and use your fingers to apply pressure. If the bleeding continues after one hour, change the pad. Another effective home remedy for bleeding is to place a wet tea bag directly on the extraction site. The tea constricts blood vessels, which helps to stop bleeding.
Be extra-careful with oral hygiene. Brush your teeth very gently with a soft brush and rinse carefully with a diluted mouthwash. If bleeding continues, it can be helpful to use a salt water rinse with a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Let the water swirl slowly inside your mouth and then let it drip out into the sink rather than spitting.
When eating in the first few days after surgery, it’s a good idea to limit yourself to foods like yogurt, pudding, and purees. Avoid things like rice and seeds that could get lodged in an empty socket and cause painful irritation. In addition, avoid very hot food and do not drink through a straw, which could cause the blood clot in the healing socket to get dislodged.
Take pain medication as prescribed by your oral surgeon. It’s a good idea to take the first dose before your anesthetic has worn off. If you find that you’re having too much pain between doses, talk with your doctor about supplementing with ibuprofen or another analgesic. In addition to these tips, you can look at more info here.