Considered vestigial body parts by today’s medical standards, wisdom teeth can cause more problems than they solve, which is why dentists recommend getting them removed if they are impacted, infected, or crowding your teeth. Fortunately, wisdom teeth extraction surgery is fairly straightforward if you follow doctor’s orders and take the time to heal. Here are three tips for a successful recovery from wisdom teeth removal.

Take Time Off 

Since removing impacted wisdom teeth involves incisions, extractions, and stitches, recovery can involve a fair amount of pain, swelling, and bruising. To make it easier to heal properly and to save yourself from struggling at work or school, take time off to recover from the procedure. Although the average recovery time for wisdom tooth extraction is three to four days, some people may need to take up to a week off if they had a complicated surgery.

Control Your Bleeding

Controlling bleeding following wisdom tooth removal is important, as excessive bleeding can make you nauseous or interfere with your normal body functions. After surgery, bite down on clean gauze as recommended by your doctor. Biting on clean, damp tea bags can also help to control bleeding while simultaneously helping with inflammation.

Watch Your Diet

After you have your wisdom teeth out, you will need to follow a soft-foods or liquid diet for a few days to give your gums the chance to heal. However, do not drink through a straw, because the suction could dislodge beneficial blood clots.

Are you ready to have your wisdom teeth taken out? Dr. Michael L. Kinsley, D.M.D. offers everything from wisdom tooth removal and dental bridges to root canals and smile makeovers. Based out of Perry, GA, this dedicated dentist is committed to offering the best dental care possible while making the experience pleasant for his patients. For more information about the services this dentist offers, explore their website or call (478) 987-1441.