If you recently removed your wisdom teeth, you may probably wonder, “How to speed up wisdom teeth recovery?”
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, appear as the final adult teeth. Typically, they are between the ages of 17 and 21. Many people lack sufficient space for their wisdom teeth, so they must be extracted. Every year in the United States, nearly 5 million people have extracted wisdom teeth.
Oral surgery can be painful and frustrating, but the good news is that you can use several helpful tactics to speed up the healing process.
This comprehensive guide will discuss practical tips, ways to alleviate pain, and food choices that help speed up the healing of your extraction sites.
What to expect after oral surgery?
| Time after surgery | Symptoms to expect |
| First 24 hours | Swelling, pain, formation of blood clots in mouth Bad taste in the mouth Stiff jaws, sore and numbness checks |
| 2 to 3 days | Less bleeding and more swelling and soreness of the mouth Increased jaw stiffness due to more swelling |
| After 3 days | Swelling and pain alleviate up to some extinct |
| 7 to 14 days | Decreased soreness, swelling, and pain of mouth, checks, and face No more bad taste in the mouth No more stiffness of jaws Return to normal food Return to daily work |
Continue reading to learn how to speed up wisdom teeth recovery to ensure a smooth-sailing recovery process after surgery. Follow these simple guidelines and be conscious with your postoperative care to return to your routine quickly.
8 best tips to speed up your wisdom teeth removal recovery
There are eight practical tips to speed up the healing process. These tips can significantly reduce the recovery time and other potential complications.
Apply an ice pack to the extraction site
Using an ice pack for wisdom teeth is one of the best strategies to relieve pain. It also reduces swelling and bruising from wisdom teeth.
Don’t apply ice directly to your face to avoid frostbite. For icing the extraction side, wrap ice in a towel or cotton cloth and use it on your cheek and jaw for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, remove the ice pack and wait 15 minutes before icing it again. Do this as much as possible for the first 36 to 48 hours after your surgery.
Warm salt water rinses
You should not rinse your mouth in the first 24 hours after the oral surgery. However, you may do so after 24 hours. After each meal, rinse your mouth with a warm salt solution.
- Take a glass of warm water and add 1 tablespoon of salt to it
- Swish your mouth with the warm salt water to remove food particles from the socket
In addition to cleaning the area, the salt kills pathogens and acts as a natural analgesic. A saltwater rinse will also prevent the spread of infections.
Use a hot compress
If you don’t have ice, try a hot compress to reduce swelling and pain. Just like the ice pack, use a hot compress for 15 minutes and take a break of 15 minutes between.
The heat will reduce jaw stiffness after wisdom teeth removal by increasing blood flow to the area and decreasing swelling. Hot water bottles or heating pads are the most effective remedies, but a warm, damp cloth can also be effective. Try approximately 115°F (46 degrees Celsius), but always test and adjust the temperature for comfort.
Apply pressure with a gauze pad
Typically, bleeding stops within four hours after wisdom teeth removal surgery, but it can last up to 24 hours. A gauze pad to apply moderate pressure should be sufficient to stop bleeding. It helps in blood clotting.
The formation of blood clots at the removal site is one of the most crucial requirements for a quick recovery. It also reduces the risk of dry sockets by closing the wisdom teeth removal scar and keeping it sanitary.
- Wrap a wet gauze pad, then apply it to the extraction site
- Gently bite on the gauze pad for 45 to 60 minutes
- Continue doing this for about five minutes
- Repeat the process if the bleeding continues
You can also use a teabag. Soak a tea bag in warm water and squeeze out excess water. Apply it to the wisdom teeth removal area for 20 to 30 minutes. The tannins in black tea cause the blood to clot (become semisolid), which stops bleeding.
Eat soft foods
In the days following your dental surgery, your mouth and jawbone may be sore, but you shouldn’t stop eating. You can only properly heal with sufficient energy.
Eating soft foods will help in reducing wisdom teeth swelling and chewing pain. It also won’t disturb stitches or blood clots. Avoid hard foods like nuts and seeds that can dislodge the blood clot. Choose some of your favorite dishes from the list below to puree.
- Smoothies
- Blended soups
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed bananas
- Applesauce
- Pudding
Also Read: What To Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Take pain medications properly
Depending on your tolerance for pain, ibuprofen may be adequate for relieving pain from wisdom tooth removal. If not, take any more potent painkillers that your dentist prescribes.
To treat and prevent infections, you might also need to take antibiotics. Even after the swelling has subsided, you should still take the recommended dosage. If you stop the medication too soon, the oral bacteria may develop a resistance to it.
Just rest
It’s a well-known fact that sleeping after wisdom teeth removal is best for a faster recovery process. Studies show that the more you rest, the faster your body recovers or heal from injuries.
Here’s why.
During healing, the damaged tissues use energy to rebuild themselves. When you’re sleeping, your body uses all stored energy to heal your injuries. So, get enough sleep or rest as much as you can.
Pain may make it difficult to get enough sleep in the initial days after wisdom teeth removal surgery. Taking the medications as prescribed by your dentist can help.
How do you prevent dry sockets while sleeping? Elevate your head with one or two pillows to prevent dry sockets while sleeping or reduce swelling.
Keep the extraction site clean
Finally, you must maintain good oral care to avoid infection. Proper oral health requires maintaining good oral hygiene practices. After wisdom teeth extraction, it becomes even more crucial.
To maintain oral care after wisdom tooth extraction, see our suggestions below.
- Brushing: Your dentist might even advise you to brush the day following the dental surgery, but some dentists permit minimal brushing. It would also help if you brushed your teeth gently, especially close to your extraction site.
- Mouth rinse: Regular mouthwash should not be used after wisdom tooth removal. You can rinse your mouth with warm saltwater the day after your surgery. Do this after every meal or 3 to 5 times a day.
- Flossing: You can start flossing after wisdom teeth removal after a day, but remember, be careful to use near where your teeth were removed.
You can also try other ways to remove food debris stuck in tooth holes or to maintain oral care.
Things you can’t do after wisdom tooth extraction
- Avoid using straws
- Eat nothing crunchy or difficult to chew
- Avoid hot coffee and tea
- Avoid chewing gum after wisdom teeth removal
- Avoid hot and spicy foods
- Don’t chew too hard on the gauze
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t brush your teeth too hard
- Don’t walk too much
- Avoid having exercises
- Don’t use mouthwash regularly
- Don’t drink acidic beverages or alcohol
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth are only extracted if they cause problems or damage other teeth. This extra set of molars can cause mouth pain and bite problems by pushing your other teeth around. According to the American Dental Association, if you experience changes in the area of your wisdom teeth, you may need to have them removed.
How long does wisdom teeth recovery take?
The recovery process varies from person to person. For instance, how well your extraction and your postoperative care significantly impact your recovery time.
Most individuals recover from wisdom tooth extraction in 3-4 days, but full recovery can take up to a week or two.
Conclusion
We hope you got the best answer to your query, “How to speed up wisdom teeth recovery”. As discussed above, your journey to a faster wisdom teeth recovery begins with insights and proper care. These wisdom teeth removal recovery tips must be followed for faster and healthier recovery after oral surgery.
Also, remember to call your doctor if you experience other complications such as paresthesia, infection, dry sockets, or if the healing time will get longer.
