When preparing to get your wisdom teeth taken out, you may be worried about the potential complications that the surgery can have. You might have heard horror stories from your friends, or are simply nervous about the procedure and what it entails. We are here to help you relieve some of those worries as well as give you some guidance on how to have the best healing process possible. Preparation is key here when avoiding complications with your extraction. Below, you’ll find best practices to prepare yourself against infection and promote your healing.
- Don’t drink from straws. During the weeks that follow, it is incredibly important to not drink from straws, as by sucking on straws, you may inadvertently cause dry sockets.
- Keep it clean. Brush your teeth carefully, and — once you’re ready — try salt water rinses, swishing gently. When brushing make sure to avoid the extraction site and don’t forcefully rinse your mouth, as it can disturb the blood clotting process. Rinse your mouth with salt water after every meal.
- Modify your diet. Eat cold foods when you can, as they will help to contract blood vessels and encourage clot formation.
- Control the bleeding. Use gauze to stop the bleeding and add pressure if needed.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity. Allow your body to rest fully for 72 hours if possible.
- Play it safe. Tell us right away if you experience excessive bleeding, pain that subsists or doesn’t get better.
- Leave the area alone. Don’t rub the extraction site with your bare hand or tongue.
You’ll be back to your normal self fairly soon after the procedure if all goes well. Breckenridge Dental is committed to helping you recover as quickly and painlessly as possible. Get in touch today to find out more about the services that we have to offer.