WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION AFTER CARE KATY TX

Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure to remove third molars – the ones in the very back of the mouth that typically erupt in the teenage years or during young adulthood. Although it is a routine procedure our dental surgeons at Grand Parkway Smiles perform quite regularly, it is still a type of surgery that requires diligent wisdom teeth extraction after care.  

WHAT HAPPENS DURING WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION?

The procedure to extract wisdom teeth is normally performed while the patient is sedated, either through oral medication or intravenous methods. Some patients opt for local anesthesia only. These measures keep the patient comfortable and pain-free throughout the extraction process. 

The dentist begins by making a small incision into the gum tissue to expose the tooth root. Any bone that blocks the dentist’s access to the tooth root is removed, as needed. If necessary, the affected tooth (or teeth) is then divided into sections to facilitate removal. The dentist then removes any remaining particles of tooth or bone and cleans the surgical site. The extraction site is then sutured close or left open to heal on its own. 

A piece of gauze is subsequently placed over the wound to stem bleeding and help blood clotting. 

WHAT CAN I DO TO ENSURE PROPER WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION AFTER CARE?

The most important step to making sure that the healing process following wisdom teeth extraction occurs without complications is to follow the discharge papers the patient receives from the Grand Parkway Smiles dentist. 

  1. Arrange for a ride home prior to surgery. Patients who received IV sedation or oral sedation are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle following the wisdom teeth removal procedure.
  2. Take all prescription medications as directed by the dentist. The surgeon will likely prescribe pain killers to help treat discomfort. Effective and appropriate pain management is an important aspect of wisdom teeth removal after care. 
  3. Minor bleeding is common following wisdom teeth extraction. Try not to spit, don’t use drinking straws, and refrain from brushing/flossing/using mouthwash in or around the affected area for 24 hours after surgery to avoid disruption to the forming blood clot.
  4. Use an ice pack to control swelling, bruising, and soreness.
  5. Hydrate. Drink lots of water (without a straw!), but stay away from carbonated beverages, alcohol, and caffeine. 
  6. Skip the tobacco – of any kind! Don’t smoke, dip, chew, or vape for at least 72 hours after surgery as nicotine may delay healing of the surgical site and facilitate complications. 
  7. If you have stitches, they may dissolve on their own or you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment to have them removed. Check with your Grand Parkway Smiles dentist if you’re not sure what type of sutures (if any!) were used. 
  8. Gently rinse your mouth with salt water every two hours and after meals. Resume brushing your teeth (being especially gentle with the surgical site) after a day or so. Continue rinsing with salt water for about a week. 

Following these after-care tips helps ensure that your wisdom teeth extraction site heals quickly and without complications. In the event of excessive bleeding, pain that cannot be controlled by pain relievers, and any questions or concerns, please call your dentist right away!

 

WHAT FOODS CAN I EAT AFTER WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION?

Sticking to soft foods is best for at least the first 24 hours after wisdom teeth extraction. So skip the popcorn, chewing gum, hard candy, and sticky taffy for now, but do enjoy these:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Yogurt
  • Creamy soups and broth
  • Soft pasta
  • Pureed or soft veggies
  • Apple sauce (or other fruit sauce)
  • Smoothies
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Bananas
  • Ice cream
  • Oatmeal
  • Cottage cheese

Remember that the main goal in the days immediately following surgery is to keep the extraction site clean and undisturbed as much as possible. 

If you have questions about wisdom teeth extraction, appropriate after care, or other dental health related issues, please call Grand Parkway Smiles today at 832-222-0016!