Proper post-operative care after wisdom teeth removal is important for a smooth recovery. Following specific guidelines on what to avoid after extraction plays a significant role in preventing complications and promoting effective healing. Understanding these precautions helps ensure a more comfortable and faster recovery.
Actions to Avoid Immediately Post-Extraction
Immediately after wisdom teeth removal, certain actions can disrupt the delicate healing process. Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting, especially within the first 24 hours, as this can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction site. This clot is essential for protecting underlying bone and nerves and facilitating new tissue formation.
Similarly, avoid using drinking straws; the suction can dislodge the blood clot, potentially leading to a painful condition called dry socket. Touching the surgical site with fingers or the tongue introduces infection risk and can disturb the fragile blood clot. Keep fingers and tongue away to maintain a clean, undisturbed healing environment. If upper wisdom teeth were removed, avoid forceful nose blowing for about a week, as this creates pressure that might affect the healing site.
Dietary Restrictions and Beverages to Omit
During recovery, careful attention to diet and beverages prevents irritation and complications. Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods like popcorn, nuts, chips, and tough meats, as they can damage the surgical site or dislodge the blood clot.
Hot foods and liquids can increase swelling, pain, and bleeding; consume items at lukewarm or room temperature. Spicy or acidic foods, such as citrus juices, can irritate the wound. Carbonated beverages should be omitted because bubbles can create pressure that dislodges the blood clot, and their acidity can irritate the site. Alcohol should also be avoided as it interferes with prescribed medications, delays healing, and increases bleeding risk. Wait at least 72 hours, or ideally a week, before consuming alcohol, especially if taking pain medication.
Physical Activities and Habits to Suspend
Limiting physical activities and certain habits supports proper healing and prevents complications. Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting, particularly for the first 24 to 72 hours, as increased blood pressure can lead to bleeding or swelling and dislodge the protective blood clot. Patients might need to avoid vigorous activities for 3-5 days, or even longer for complex extractions.
Smoking significantly impairs healing after wisdom teeth removal. It reduces blood flow, introduces harmful chemicals, and greatly increases the risk of dry socket by dislodging the blood clot. Dentists often recommend avoiding smoking for at least 72 hours to 5-7 days post-surgery, or longer if possible, for optimal healing.
Red Flags Not to Disregard
While some discomfort is normal after wisdom teeth removal, certain symptoms indicate a complication requiring contact with an oral surgeon or dentist. Excessive bleeding that does not subside after biting firmly on gauze for 30 minutes, or continues to recur, requires professional attention.
Persistent or worsening severe pain not managed by prescribed medication, especially if it starts one to three days after extraction and radiates to the ear, temple, or neck, could be a sign of dry socket. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot is lost, exposing bone and nerves. Signs of infection, such as increasing swelling, fever, pus, or a foul taste or odor in the mouth, are also serious indicators. Numbness that persists beyond the expected duration of anesthesia might suggest nerve involvement and should be evaluated. Difficulty swallowing or breathing also warrant immediate medical consultation.