What to do after the Extraction of a Wisdom Tooth?

After a wisdom tooth is removed, your mouth starts to heal. The gum may feel sore, and you might see some swelling or bleeding. This is normal because the body treats it like a small injury. Many people feel unsure during recovery and worry about what’s normal. Healing goes better when you follow the right steps. Here we tell you what to do after the extraction of a wisdom tooth and how to handle problems if they happen.

Bleeding

Bleeding happens because the tooth leaves a hole in your gum and bone, and the body sends blood to form a clot. This clot protects the area and helps with healing. If the clot moves or breaks, the gum keeps bleeding. You can stop the bleeding if you:

• Bite gently on clean gauze for 30 to 45 minutes.
• Change the gauze if it becomes soaked.
• Keep your head raised while resting.
• Avoid spitting, rinsing, or using a straw.
• Stay calm and rest quietly.
• Call the best dentist in Phoenix if bleeding continues after 24 hours.

Swelling and Bruising

Swelling and bruising happen because the body reacts to the pressure and movement during tooth removal. The tissue gets inflamed, and fluid builds up in the area, which makes the cheek puff out and sometimes turn a little purple or yellow. This is a natural part of healing. You can control swelling if you:

• Apply an ice pack to your face for 20 minutes.
• Use the ice pack during the first 24 hours.
• Sleep with your head raised.
• Avoid touching or pressing on the swollen area.
• Switch to a warm cloth after 3 days to reduce leftover swelling.
• Rest and avoid hard physical activity for at least 2 to 3 days.

Pain

Pain happens because the gum and bone were disturbed during the removal. The nerves around the area become sensitive, especially after the numbness goes away. You can manage the pain if you:

• Take the pain medicine your dentist gave you.
• Take the medicine on time, even if the pain feels light.
• Avoid chewing on the side where the tooth was removed.
• Do not touch the sore area with your tongue or fingers.

Infection

Infection happens when food or bacteria enter the empty space where the tooth was. Since the area is open, it can get dirty easily if not cleaned gently. Signs of infection include fever, bad smell, pus, or pain that keeps getting worse. You can lower the risk if you:

• Rinse gently with warm salt water 2 to 3 times a day.
• Brush your teeth carefully, but avoid the sore area.
• Wash your hands before touching your mouth.
• Keep food away from the extraction site.
• Follow all cleaning instructions from the best dentist in Phoenix.

Diet

What you eat after a wisdom tooth removal matters a lot. Soft foods help protect the healing area, keep the blood clot in place, and make chewing easier without hurting the gum. So, try to include these soft foods:

• Mashed potatoes
• Applesauce
• Yogurt
• Pudding
• Scrambled eggs
• Smooth soup
• Soft-cooked pasta
• Oatmeal

Hard, crunchy, spicy, or hot foods are bad because they can move or break the clot, scratch the sore gum, or cause more pain and swelling. These foods may also slow down healing. You should not eat:

• Chips
• Nuts
• Toast or crusty bread
• Spicy sauces
• Hot soup or hot coffee
• Caramel or sticky candy
• Popcorn
• Foods with seeds or grains that can get stuck

Stitches

Dentists may place stitches to protect the area and help it heal. Most stitches dissolve on their own in one to two weeks. Do not touch them with your tongue or fingers. If one falls out early, it’s okay unless there is pain or bleeding. Keep the area clean and go to your check-up to make sure healing is going well.

Last Word

Healing usually takes a few days to two weeks. It’s important to rest, follow all care steps, and avoid anything that can slow recovery. This helps prevent pain, infection, or other problems. If something doesn’t feel right, contact the clinic. With the right care, everything will return to normal.

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