Immediate Aftercare
Right after your wisdom teeth extraction, you’ll need to follow specific steps to minimize pain and prevent complications:
- Bite on Gauze: Apply firm pressure by biting down on a gauze pad placed over the extraction site. This helps control bleeding and promotes clot formation.
- Apply Ice Packs: Use ice packs on the outside of your cheeks for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and numb the area.
- Take Prescribed Medications: Follow your dentist’s instructions for taking prescribed pain relievers and antibiotics to manage pain and prevent infection.
Home Remedies for Pain Relief
While medication is often necessary, you can complement it with home remedies to ease discomfort:
- Saltwater Rinse: To keep the region clean and lessen swelling after the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth several times a day with warm salt water.
- Elevate Your Head: When resting, keep your head elevated with pillows to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Eat Soft Foods: Stick to a diet of soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes. Avoid foods like hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that can bother the area where your tooth was removed.
- Gently Massage Your Jaw: Lightly massage your jaw to help relieve tension and reduce discomfort.
What to Avoid
Certain activities can worsen pain or slow down your recovery. Make sure to avoid:
- Strenuous Activities: For a few days, refrain from strenuous exercise and hard lifting to stop more bleeding and swelling.
- Smoking and Alcohol: Both can interfere with healing and increase the risk of infection.
- Using Straws: The sucking motion can move the blood clot, causing a painful problem called dry socket.
Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Removal Consultation in Sherman Oaks and Pasadena, CA
If you’re dealing with an impacted tooth, Dr. Husam Elias is ready to assist you. He welcomes patients at our offices in Sherman Oaks (818-789-6622) and Pasadena (626-440-0099), conveniently located for those in Los Angeles, Encino, and the San Fernando Valley. Schedule your consultation today!
Managing pain after wisdom teeth removal can seem daunting, but with the right approach and guidance, you can ensure a comfortable recovery.