As soon as a friend or family member picks you up from the dentist following wisdom teeth removal, your recovery begins. It usually takes the mouth about three weeks to fully heal; however, there is plenty you can do to quicken the recovery process. Swelling and discomfort are common during the first three days. 

Top 5 Supplies For Efficient Wisdom Teeth Removal Healing

1. Gauze

Keep fresh gauze available to put over the socket formerly containing your wisdom tooth. It is normal for the socket to bleed as your body works to form a clot. Replace blood-soaked gauze as necessary until a clot forms. Do not use straws or smoke cigarettes as you heal because the sucking action can dislodge the clot.

2. Extra Pillows

Prop your head up with extra pillows during your recovery, whether you are watching television or sleeping. Keep your head as close to a 45-degree angle as you can in the first three days following surgery to minimize swelling. Elevation ensures excess fluid flows down into your bloodstream instead of pooling around the socket.

3. Coconut Water & Soft Foods

Drink cold coconut water until you are ready to consume soft foods, as the water stabilizes blood chemistry, electrolyte, and blood sugar levels in addition to keeping you hydrated. Dry mouth can loosen the clot. Consume soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, cold soup, and cottage cheese until your dentist says you can eat hard foods. Crunchy, hard foods can move the clot or scratch the affected area.

4. Ice Packs

Further minimize swelling with ice packs. Wrap the packs in wash cloths or other thin cloths and keep one on your affected cheek to help dull the pain in addition to reducing inflammation. If your jaw is sore, alternate between ice packs and moist heat.

5. Prescription Meds or OTC Painkillers

Take your prescription medication as recommended by your dentist to prevent infection and reduce pain and swelling. Do the same with any OTC painkillers your dentist suggests to mitigate inflammation and discomfort. If you experience serious pain or any other issues after the procedure, contact your dentist immediately.

Trust your teeth and gums to Ronald L. Rasmussen, DDS,  proudly serving Sacramento, CA. A member of the American Dental Association and California Dental Association, Dr. Rasmussen provides flexible scheduling with early appointments and offers both cosmetic and general dentistry services. Call (916) 689-1100 to schedule an appointment today, or visit the website to learn more about what this dentist offers. Read the latest patient reviews on Yelp.