Wisdom Teeth are, usually, the last tooth to erupt inside the mouth. But, when they erupt there will not be enough space resulting in partial eruption of these teeth or completely struck inside the jaw bone. Completely erupted Wisdom teeth is rarely serves as a worthy asset for functional rehabilitation. Many times, Wisdom teeth extraction is surgical procedure.

Wisdom teeth extraction is done after taking certain precautions but its the do’s and dont’s that worry us the most. Lets look into the most common do’s and dont’s:

Do’s:

  • Bleeding after tooth extraction controlled by biting cotton gauze. The pressure will help stopping bleeding. If the bleeding or oozing of the blood after tooth extraction continues, immediately contact the Dentist office.
  • Having fluids but without straw.
  • How many days should you rest after wisdom teeth removal? Postponing heavy physical exercises and works for couple of days is recommended.
  • While sleeping, elevate your head with pillow under your head. That lessens the chance of swelling.
  • If they is any swelling, you can use ice packs. Ice packs can be used to minimise the swelling. Applying ice packs over the swelling area of the cheek for 15 minutes can give relief.
  • Keep the site clean. Maintain good oral hygiene. Salt-water gargles help maintain oral hygiene.
  • Diet: Soft and liquid diet helps in the healing of the surgical site. Liquid diet such as soups, milkshakes and smoothies and soft diet with mashed potato and yogurt give the required strength and help heal the wound.
  • Chewing food on the opposite side of surgery.
  • Taking medication as prescribed by Dentist / Surgeon
  • Brush the teeth gently avoiding the surgical site.

Don’ts:

  • Drink fluids without straw.
  • Sucking and spitting must be avoided immediately after tooth extraction.
  • Don’t smoke and consume alcohol after tooth extraction. Try not to disturb the clot at the surgical site.
  • Rest the jaw immediately after extraction.
  • Avoid solid diet for few days.
  • Blood thinners such as aspirin best avoided for some days after extraction.
  • Don’t disturb the extraction site with tongue, brush or toothpick. It may loosen or destroy the clot and result in delayed healing.
  • Avoid rinsing the mouth immediately after tooth extraction.

Contact your Dentist immediately,  if you have any blood oozing after tooth extraction. In some instances, you may face new complications such as headache after tooth removal, or you notice a bony spicule like bump on gums at extraction site