No one enjoys having wisdom teeth removed, but unfortunately it’s a fact of life for most people if theirs don’t develop normally. There’s no doubt that you’ll experience some pain during the recovery process, but if you’re smart and plan ahead, there’s a good chance you can avoid a lot of it.
If you’re going to be having your wisdom teeth removed in the near future, here are six tips that will help make your recovery a little easier. Your dentist will no doubt give you a much more thorough plan, but this advice will help you start thinking about everything you need to do to get well soon.
Arrange a ride home.
This may seem obvious, but you’ll be in no condition to drive after your wisdom teeth removal, due to the lingering effects of anesthesia. It’s important that you have a ride arranged before you go in for your appointment to avoid the embarrassing scenario of being stranded at the dentist’s office or trying to hail a cab under the influence of powerful pain relievers or anasthetics.
Plan for some time off.
Although wisdom teeth removal is a relatively mild surgery, you’ll need at least a few days to recover. You might think you can push on through the pain, but your gums will be incredibly sensitive to even the slightest disturbances, and the swelling associated with this procedure will probably keep you from wanting to be seen at work or in public.
Take your medication as directed.
During your recovery period, your dentist will probably recommend some powerful, prescription-strength painkillers. Some people are worried about taking these due to their addictive properties, but as long as you’re taking them as directed, there’s virtually no chance of having any dependence problems.
Similarly, there are others who are worried that these painkillers will make them feel “woozy” or generally weird. It’s true that you probably won’t feel like your normal self under the influence of medication, but this temporary feeling is highly preferable to the pain you would experience without the aid of these products.
Design your recovery diet.
Your gums will be in no condition to withstand the pressure of chewing food for the first few days after your surgery. Because of this, you’ll need to design a diet that consists exclusively of soft foods and liquids—such as soup, gelatin, and ice cream.
It can be difficult to eat a balanced diet under such severe restrictions, so look for foods that are a bit higher in calories and protein than you’re used to eating. During this recovery period, don’t worry about overeating—in your condition, there’s very little chance you’ll be in the mood to eat much of anything at all.
Focus on good oral care.
You should continue to brush your teeth during the recovery period to ensure that you maintain good oral care. However, you’ll want to be careful to avoid direct brushing on the surgical site, and it may be a good idea to use a soft-bristled toothbrush in case you accidentally do hit this area.
In addition to brushing, you should be gently rinsing your mouth with saltwater two to three times each day. This process helps kill any bacteria in the mouth that may potentially cause an infection near the incision in your gums.
Have your essentials ready to go before surgery.
When you return home from having your wisdom teeth removed, you’ll probably be in no condition to set up a designated space for your recovery. Because of this, it’s important to have all your essentials ready to go before the procedure. This includes preparations like freezing multiple cold compresses, making post-recovery foods easily accessible, and gathering blankets and pillows to ensure you’re comfortable.
