Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a common dental milestone most of us will experience, but what you do afterward plays a big role in how quickly and comfortably you recover. Whether you are preparing for surgery or are already healing at home, it is crucial that you follow the right steps to keep your recovery on track.
At the Krupp Center, we know the healing process can bring up questions, which is why we have put together this simple guide of our top dos and don’ts of wisdom teeth removal recovery near Towson.
Let’s walk through the recovery essentials so you can rest, heal, and get back to your normal routine quickly and confidently.
The Top Dos for a Smooth Recovery
No matter why you opted for wisdom teeth removal, reading up on the best after-care and following through on these steps can help ensure a smooth recovery. These are some of our top dos to keep your extraction site clean and optimized for comfort and healing.
Do: Get Plenty of Rest and Keep Your Head Elevated
Plan to take at least the day of the extraction and several days after off from school or work. Though you do not have to spend all day in bed sleeping, you should relax and avoid any strenuous activities.
It is completely normal to experience some degree of swelling after a wisdom tooth extraction. Keeping your head elevated can reduce swelling, which helps to keep you more comfortable and can speed up the recovery process.
Do: Eat Soft Foods
In the days following your wisdom teeth extraction, plan on eating soft foods. Eating hard or crunchy foods may cause any stitches to open or damage the empty wisdom tooth sockets. Instead, we recommend foods like soups (not too hot!), applesauce, Greek yogurt, scrambled eggs, and ice cream, so be sure to stock up on those prior to your extraction procedure.
Do: Keep the Area Clean
After your wisdom teeth extraction, your oral surgeon will prescribe a regimen of mouthwash or salt water to gargle throughout the day. Along with that, you will receive a special syringe that will help you clean food debris from the extraction area in the days following surgery.
Follow your oral surgeon’s post-care instructions for keeping the extraction sites properly cleaned. This reduces the risk of infection and other complications after removing wisdom teeth.
The Top Don’ts to Avoid Complications
Now that you know what to do to support a smooth wisdom teeth removal recovery, it’s just as important to understand what to avoid. Here are some of the top don’ts to steer clear of after your extraction.
Don’t: Drink Through a Straw or Smoke
In the days following your wisdom teeth extraction, avoid smoking and sucking through a straw. Cigarettes and vapes hinder healing and increase infection risk after wisdom teeth extraction.
Using a straw (or anything that you would suck) creates suction in your mouth, which can dislodge blood clots in the extraction sockets. This will lead to additional bleeding, and your sockets will have to restart the clotting process.
Don’t: Get Aggressive With Brushing or Rinsing Your Mouth
It’s important to approach oral hygiene with care in the days following your extraction. You will want to rinse your mouth gently with salt water or specially prescribed mouthwash after eating for at least the first 24 hours after your procedure.
From there, it is important to brush your other teeth very gently and carefully. Avoid the extraction site while brushing, as brushing the sockets can dislodge clots or cause discomfort.
Don’t: Hesitate to Contact the Krupp Center
Some discomfort and swelling is normal after a wisdom tooth extraction; however, if you notice you have a fever or excessive pain and swelling, contact your oral surgeon as soon as you can.
Even if you are recovering smoothly but have some questions, never hesitate to reach out to our team to get answers.
Your Recovery Matters; Let Us Support You
Wisdom teeth removal recovery near Towson does not have to be complicated, as long as you give your body the care and time it needs. By following these simple dos and avoiding the common don’ts, you can set yourself up for a faster, more comfortable healing process.
Most importantly, your recovery is not a path to navigate alone. The team at the Krupp Center is always here to answer questions, offer support, and ensure everything is healing like it should.
If you have recently had your wisdom teeth removed or are preparing for the procedure, reach out to our team. We’re just a call or a click away, and always ready to help you heal with confidence.
