15 Tips For How to Speed Up Wisdom Teeth Recovery

Thousands of people remove their wisdom teeth each year. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, almost 85% of people need to extract their wisdom teeth. 

Although this surgery is a common procedure, you may still have questions like, “How to heal from wisdom teeth fast?” or “What is the best way to recover after wisdom teeth removal?” These are smart questions to ask.

The good news is that there are simple ways to feel better faster. If you follow a few helpful tips, you can reduce the pain, lower your risk of problems, and get back to feeling normal sooner.

In this guide, you will find 15 easy wisdom teeth removal recovery tips to help you recover safely and with less pain.

Top 15 Wisdom Teeth Recovery Tips

Let’s now walk you through the best tips for wisdom teeth extraction recovery that can make a real difference in how you feel after wisdom teeth removal.

1. Do Not Remove the Gauze

Your dentist will give you gauze to place on the tooth extraction site and apply pressure. This will stop bleeding and allow a clot to form. 

Replace the gauze when it is soaked with blood. Do not remove this gauze until a clot is formed.  

2. Follow Post-Op Instructions Precisely

Your oral surgeon gives you recovery steps for a good reason. These instructions are tailored to your dental health. They may tell you when to take medicine, what not to do, and how to keep your mouth clean. 

These precautionary measures will allow you not to disturb the healing spot and let it heal quickly. Following these steps helps you heal faster and feel better sooner.

3. Apply Ice Packs Consistently

Apply a cold compress to your cheeks in 15 to 20-minute intervals for the first 48 hours. It reduces the blood flow to the extraction site by constricting the blood vessels. Additionally, it numbs the area to reduce pain, reduces inflammation, and eases discomfort. 

Note: Placing ice directly on the mouth can cause frostbite. To prevent it, set a cloth between the ice and your skin.

4. Rinse Gently with Warm Salt Water

Gargle with salt water 24 hours post-surgery. Repeat this two to three times daily, particularly after meals. It kills all the germs and bacteria, provides a deep cleaning, and prevents infections. That is how it promotes healing by suppressing bacterial growth and removing debris.

5. Keep Your Head Elevated While Resting

If you want to know how to make wisdom teeth swelling go down overnight, the best way to do it is to keep your head elevated while sleeping. When you lie straight, your blood flow to your mouth increases. This elevated blood flow increases the pressure and swelling as well. 

Keeping your head above the surface restricts blood flow and promotes healing. To keep your head elevated, use two pillows to prop up your head during sleep for the first few nights.

6. Use Prescribed or OTC Pain Relievers Wisely

If your dentist gives you painkillers, use them according to the instructions. Besides these medicines, you can also use other pain-relieving medications like ibuprofen to prevent swelling and relieve pain. 

However, overuse of these medicines may be harmful. Therefore, always follow the directions on the bottle or what your dentist tells you. 

7. Avoid Straws at All Costs

After extracting a tooth, doctors place gauze at the site to facilitate clot formation. This clot stops the blood flow and initiates the healing process. 

If you use a straw to drink any liquid, the suction pressure can remove the blood clot that leads to heavy bleeding. That’s why it is suggested to avoid straw for a week or more.

8. Stick to a Soft, Nutritious Diet

Eat something soft but full of nutrients. Hard food like nuts can disturb natural healing. On the other hand, your body needs a balanced diet with proteins and carbohydrates for quick healing. 

Opt for foods like mashed potatoes, applesauce, smoothies, and yogurt to get all these nutrients. Do not take crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods that can irritate your wounds.

9. Keep Hydrated (Without Hot or Sugary Drinks)

After extraction, do not let your mouth dry due to dehydration. Moisture allows the wounds to heal quickly. That’s why hydration is essential. 

However, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and acidic juices in the first 48-72 hours. 

10. Do Not Smoke or Vape

After surgery, avoid smoking or vaping for at least a week or more. It has harmful chemicals that can promote infection and slow down the healing process. 

Also, sucking on a cigarette or vape can move the blood clot in your mouth. This may cause dry sockets, which hurts a lot. 

11. Avoid Strenuous Activities

Do not go to the gym or do heavy lifting. Strenuous activities increase blood pressure, which can cause bleeding or delay healing. 

Gentle walking is fine, but take it slow. Avoid anything that makes you breathe hard or strain.

12. Take More Rest Than Normal Days

When you sleep, your body starts healing all the wounds naturally. That’s why your body needs extra rest to heal after tooth extraction. 

Eight hours of sleep are essential for good health. Also, take a nap during the daytime for quick healing. Avoid staying up late or being too active.

13. Stay Ahead of Dry Socket Risks

Dry socket is a condition when the blood clot from the extraction site does not form. It exposed the internal delicate structures, including nerves and vessels. 

Avoid the factors that can lead to dry sockets, including the use of straws, vigorous rinsing, and smoking. 

14. Know When to Call Your Dentist

Signs of complications include intense pain, persistent bleeding, fever, or pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, visit your surgeon immediately. Early intervention prevents more serious issues.

15. Attend Your Follow-Up Appointment

A follow-up appointment enables your oral surgeon to look for indications of infection or slow healing. Attend as scheduled to ensure your recovery stays on track.

Choose Double Take Dental for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Double Take Dental is a professional dental care provider that has been serving its patients for years. We have highly skilled staff, advanced tools, and new techniques. From tooth cleaning and extraction to complex dental surgeries, we are here to help you treat any dental problem. 

Furthermore, our courteous staff ensures you receive appropriate guidelines before and after the treatment. This helps you make informed decisions, take appropriate care of your treated teeth, and promote quick healing. 

Recap

Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction requires proper attention and care. After clot formation, taking certain precautionary measures can help you heal more quickly. 

By taking rest, eating a soft and healthy diet and following all the instructions, you can make your healing process smooth. 

Moreover, lowering the activities, avoiding lying down straight, and skipping alcohol and smoking can also help in fast recovery. 

If you are looking for professional dental care for your wisdom tooth extraction, you can consult our experts at Double Take Dental. Look no further and contact us for safe dental treatments.