Care after wisdom tooth surgery and pain control

Preparation before wisdom tooth surgery

1. Make an appointment with your dentist or surgeon.

Make sure you schedule your appointment on a day that allows you to recover from wisdom tooth surgery. For example, schedule your appointment on Thursday or Friday so you can recover over the weekend. If you are a woman and using birth control, postpone the surgery until after your period to avoid vaginal dryness.

• Your menstrual cycle can affect the likelihood of nausea and vomiting after surgery. Women who use oral contraceptive pills, on days 9 to 15 of the cycle after the operation, have more nausea and vomiting.

2. Go grocery shopping the night before.

Buy soft foods such as applesauce, chicken soup, yogurt, canned fruit, gelatin, pudding, or cheese. You should avoid eating foods that require chewing or foods that are served very hot or cold for some time after surgery.

• Also remember that you should not drink alcohol, soft drinks, coffee, or hot drinks for the first few days after surgery.

3. Make movies, games, and books.

You may be in a lot of pain. You need to make sure that you have plenty of resources around you to keep your mind off your worries. So you should be comfortable for a few days.

4. Find someone to drive you to the clinic.

You will be tired after the operation and need someone to drive you home and help you get your painkillers from the pharmacy.

Self-care at home after wisdom tooth surgery

1. Leave the sterile gauze on the wisdom tooth surgery site for at least 30 minutes.

Do not try to change the gas as it will disrupt the clotting process. After removing the first bite, keep the area clean and leave it alone. Do not try to force the blood out repeatedly because the change in pressure in the mouth prevents the blood from clotting. Instead, use fresh gauze to absorb the blood.

2. Use tea bags.

If after 12 hours or more, your wound is still bleeding at a steady rate, stop biting and start biting on moist tea bags. Tea leaves cause blood clotting, and in some people, caffeine increases blood circulation. This process causes clotted platelets to form in the suture area, which speeds up healing time.

3. Rinse your mouth with salt water.

Mix 1 teaspoon of sea salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Take the liquid slowly into your mouth and let it soak in for a moment. Then pour it into the sink or toilet. Do not gargle or spit as this may dislodge the blood clot from the wound. Salt water heals and reduces irritation.

• Be sure to rinse your mouth gently on the first day after surgery.
• For the first 24 hours after surgery, use only salt water to clean your mouth. Wait until your doctor advises you to start brushing again (it’s usually safe by the second day).

4. Use an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.

You may apply ice to your cheeks to prevent swelling for the first 24 hours.

• After 24 to 72 hours, ice may help reduce pain, but will be useless in preventing swelling. If you don’t have an ice pack tool, use a bag of frozen vegetables.
• When enough time has passed, apply a heating pad to your cheeks as directed by your dentist. If you reuse the ice pack, your body’s natural reaction will cause additional swelling.

5. Raise your head.

Whether you sleep on your couch or bed, place 2 or more pillows under your head so that your mouth is higher than your head and neck. Elevation reduces swelling.

6. Keep your supplies close.

After wisdom tooth surgery, you need water, gas, painkillers, and antibiotics so that you don’t have to get up and go to the bathroom to get the things you need.

7. Avoid using a straw to drink liquids.

A vacuum created in the mouth can dislodge your clots and slow the healing process.

8. Give up smoking and alcohol.

These two can slow down the healing process. You should wait at least 72 hours after wisdom tooth surgery to use tobacco products. (But more is better)

9. Control the pain of the wisdom tooth surgery site.

You can use prescription pain relievers or you can take over-the-counter ibuprofen to prevent pain, inflammation, and swelling. Avoid aspirin as it may cause bleeding and slow your recovery.

• Be sure to take painkillers as soon as you leave the dental clinic in Canada. Take them with a small meal to prevent nausea and vomiting. You may still be numb from the anesthetic and think you don’t need strong pain relief. However, once the anesthetic wears off, you may experience a high degree of discomfort.
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours. Anesthesia along with your pain medication can make these activities dangerous.
• Talk to your doctor if you experience severe nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a different pain reliever that won’t make you sick.

10. Ask for help.

Count on your spouse, friends, or family to take care of you while you recover from wisdom tooth surgery. Ask them to answer your phone calls, help you with chores around the house, bring you meals, and keep you comfortable while you recover.