How Can I Make My Wisdom Teeth Removal Heal Faster?

We all have wisdom teeth, and some people never experience any problems with them. Unfortunately, most of us will need wisdom teeth removal as teens or adults. If you are preparing to have your wisdom teeth removed, you probably have questions about how you can make sure you recover as fast as possible. 

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars, the chewing teeth at the back of your mouth. They usually begin to appear in your teenage or young adult years. In some cases, wisdom teeth emerge normally. More often, these teeth do not have enough room to grow and become stuck, causing discomfort and other problems. You do not need your wisdom teeth, so removal may be recommended even if they have not caused problems yet. 

Why Do I Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?

If wisdom teeth are impacted or do not have enough room, they can cause pain and affect your dental health. Your mouth may not have enough room for the additional set of molars. They may become obstructed and begin to grow sideways, forward, or backward, pressing on your other teeth. Since wisdom teeth serve no purpose, there are no negative consequences to removing them. 

How Can I Make My Wisdom Teeth Removal Heal Faster?

You will receive detailed instructions after your surgery. Following them will help you heal quickly and without problems. 

The Recovery Process

Your wisdom teeth removal usually happens under local anesthesia or sedation. During the first 24 hours, you will need to rest and avoid too much activity while a clot forms. The blood clot that forms after wisdom teeth removal helps the area heal. If you dislodge this clot, you could develop problems with your healing. Swelling and soreness start to improve after two or three days. Most people feel close to normal within a week. Your sutures will dissolve without requiring removal. 

What to Eat

Eat soft foods or drink fluids during the first few days after your procedure. You can start adding foods like pasta or eggs after about 48 hours. We recommend that you avoid foods that could irritate or get stuck in your incisions, including:

• Acidic foods like tomato sauce or drinks like lemonade
• Spicy foods
• Sharp foods like chips or pretzels
• Seeds and other small, hard foods

Hints and Tips

• Use ice packs to reduce swelling and limit bruising
• Start brushing your teeth after 24 hours, but avoid disturbing the clot
• Avoid using a straw
• Your regular mouthwash is too harsh to use during healing
• Smoking will delay your body’s healing process

Am I a Good Candidate for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Good candidates for wisdom teeth removal have wisdom teeth that cause problems or might cause them in the future. People who have wisdom teeth removed will never need to worry about these issues. Ideal candidates are in good health and do not smoke. 

Take the Next Step 

If you have further questions about wisdom teeth removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Faces Fort Worth. Call us at (817) 927-1818 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.