{"id":8476,"date":"2022-03-18T03:46:10","date_gmt":"2022-03-18T07:46:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-2020.opencare.com\/?p=8476"},"modified":"2022-03-18T03:53:13","modified_gmt":"2022-03-18T07:53:13","slug":"10-things-you-must-do-for-wisdom-teeth-surgery-recovery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/blog\/10-things-you-must-do-for-wisdom-teeth-surgery-recovery\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things You Must Do for Wisdom Teeth Surgery Recovery"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 5<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

Wisdom teeth are notorious for being stubborn and troublesome whether they are in the mouth erupting or at the dentist\u2019s office being extracted. Due to the skeletal evolution of our skulls over centuries, most of us no longer have the arch space for all four of these third molars to erupt. When there is a lack of such space in the oral cavity, wisdom teeth can cause a range of problems, including swollen gums, infection, facial swelling, damage to other teeth, and even jaw joint issues.<\/p>\n

Being the last of the molars and the last to erupt, complications due to wisdom teeth are fairly common. They can even cause tooth movement, oftentimes reversing previously received or ongoing orthodontic treatment. Therefore, when a dentist says these teeth need to be removed, there\u2019s just no other way.<\/p>\n

Despite the reputation of how painful and terrible recovery post- oral surgery can be, in most cases, the cause of such stress is due to the negligence of after-care and unawareness of how to manage the open extraction site properly.<\/p>\n

So we\u2019ve compiled a comprehensive list of 10 things you must do for recovery, proven by facts, experience, and statistics. If you want to learn how to avoid post-surgery complications and reduce post-operative pain upon removal of wisdom teeth, continue reading the instruction list below.<\/p>\n\n

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  1. \n
    Don\u2019t Spit<\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Immediately after the removal of a wisdom tooth, blood and saliva may pool in the mouth. Simultaneously, the body\u2019s defense system forms a blood clot as a plug in the extraction site to stop the bleeding and begin healing. Removing blood\/saliva from your mouth has to be done with utmost care, making sure that there is no spitting force that would potentially create a vacuum in the mouth that could dislodge the healing blood clot. The recommended way to do so is by opening your mouth slightly over a sink and letting the blood\/saliva flow out while tilting your head forward. Creating a suction pressure in the mouth and dislodging the naturally occurring blood clot in the extraction area can cause painful complications such as a dry socket<\/p>\n

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    1. \n
      Do Not Use Straws<\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      As explained above, preserving the blood clot is of utmost importance; another way to ensure that it remains intact is by avoiding the use of straws after the procedure until healing has occurred. The use of straws, just like spitting, creates a suction pressure in the mouth that should be avoided.<\/p>\n

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      1. \n
        Eat Soft and Slightly Cold Food<\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Post-surgery it is recommended not to have anything very hot or very cold at least in the first 24 hours after the extraction. Most dentists recommend slightly melted ice cream for a cooling effect after a same-day wisdom tooth extraction. In general, food items that are soft and slightly cold, requiring very minimal chewing forces, are considered best to consume. Some examples of acceptable food are:<\/p>\n