A large majority of people in the U.S. have their wisdom teeth removed, and this involves a pretty intricate surgical procedure. If you have a surgery coming up in the near future, you may be wondering how long it will take you to heal.
In most cases, the recovery period will take several days, but there may be some discomfort or swelling for a week or more. By knowing what to expect with your recovery, you can take steps to make it go more smoothly.
Taking Care of Your Mouth after Surgery
In order to help your oral surgery recovery to progress as smoothly as possible, there are a few steps you can take. Keep in mind that it is common to experience some bleeding, pain, and swelling after the procedure, and follow these guidelines to help your mouth heal:
Brushing. Avoid brushing your teeth the first 24 hours following your surgery. When you do start brushing, do so lightly with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and try to avoid the surgical site. Until you can begin brushing normally, rinse your mouth out with a warm saltwater solution several times a day in order to clean out the wound.
Eating and drinking. Stick to a soft diet for the first day or two after surgery. Don't consume soda, hot beverages, or alcohol for several days, and avoid drinking out of a straw, as this can dislodge the blood clots at your surgical site.
Pain. Take any pain relievers prescribed by your oral surgeon as directed, or use over-the-counter pain medications.
Swelling. If you notice your face is swelling as a result of your surgical procedure, place an ice pack on your jaw. The cold will help to ease discomfort and to reduce your inflammation.
If you have additional questions about how to better recover from your wisdom teeth surgery, contact our office today.