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Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery – Do’s and Don’ts

What is wisdom teeth removal recovery like? Many patients worry, but the reality is, most people bounce back quickly. Oral surgeons take every possible step to ensure an easy recovery from third molar extraction, and complications are rare.

But if you’re not careful, you could set yourself up for a more difficult time. Knowing what to do — and what not to do — will give you the best chance at a speedy, uncomplicated wisdom teeth removal recovery.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery – Do’s and Don’ts

DO Relax and Rest

Take it easy for at least a few days after wisdom tooth removal. Your body needs rest to heal and recover, so plan to relax at home.

DON’T Overexert Yourself

Get too active too fast and you may delay the healing process. Steer clear of any physical exertion — that means no bending, no lifting and no exercise until your oral surgeon gives you the green light.

DO Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids when you’re recovering from third molar extraction. Hydration helps ensure proper healing, so aim for a minimum of eight glasses of water every day.

DON’T Use a Straw

Staying hydrated is important, but sipping through a straw is a bad idea — the suction could disturb the wisdom tooth removal site, causing a painful condition called dry socket.

DO Stick to Soft Foods

For the first day or two following wisdom teeth extraction, eat a soft-foods diet. Your oral surgeon can provide nutritious meal and snack ideas to keep you full while you recover.

DON’T Eat Sticky or Crunchy Foods

After wisdom teeth extraction, the mouth and gum tissues are sensitive. Stay away from chewy, crunchy, sticky foods to avoid causing damage to the extraction site.

DO Keep Your Mouth Clean

For the first couple of days after wisdom tooth removal, use a warm saltwater rinse to keep the tooth extraction site clean. To prevent dry socket, swish gently and spit carefully.

DON’T Practice Unhealthy Habits

Cigarettes and alcohol can both hinder the healing process and increase the chance of developing an infection. To recover more quickly and easily from third molar extraction, skip smoking and drinking alcohol.

Are you worried about wisdom teeth removal recovery? To pave the way for a positive experience, look for a compassionate local oral surgeon with extensive expertise in third molar extraction. If you live in the greater Salt Lake City area or anywhere along the Wasatch Front, turn to the professionals at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah.

Dr. Partridge and Dr. Maxfield, our board-certified oral surgeons, take every precaution to help patients heal quickly after third molar extraction. To schedule a consultation — and ease your concerns about wisdom teeth removal recovery — contact our Cottonwood Heights, South Jordan or Tooele office today.

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