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Wisdom Teeth Recovery
Wisdom teeth recovery is not that tough as many people may think. As such, people often fear of the wisdom teeth removal, even if they undergo crucial problems associated with those teeth, and go on tolerating the problems with the help of pain-killers. But if they understand that extraction of the wisdom teeth and the recovery thereafter is not a very difficult process, they will be mentally prepared to undergo the surgery without any fear.
When the wisdom teeth extraction surgery is performed, you may most of the times have stitches over the wound. This is because, most often the wisdom teeth are in awkward position and need incisions and cutting of jawbones to take them out. Therefore the wound is sewn with stitches. The stitches either dissolve after some time or they are removed by the oral surgeon after some days. You will get the instructions of the doctor, if the stitches are to be removed; you will have to visit his or her office at the stipulated time to get the stitches removed.
After the wisdom teeth extraction, you will have to take ample rest and should not engage into vigorous physical activity, in order to recover faster. Pain, bleeding and swelling are inevitable parts of wisdom teeth recovery. But you should consider them positively, as they help in recovery. Body sends more oxygenated blood, rich with nutrients, to the wounded area, because of which the minute blood capillaries there expand and as a response to this phenomenon, pain, bleeding and swelling occur. This means that they bring about faster recovery. To relieve them, however, you can do certain simple things.
First of all, take all the medicines regularly and exactly as prescribed. While taking over-the-counter medicines, consult your dentist. For some days, after the surgery, take only soft and preferably liquid foods, like soups, apple sauce, peaches, pudding, cakes, ice-creams, etc. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times in a day, and especially after having food.
When the tooth is removed, the surgeon keeps a gauze pad on the surgical wound. This is for pressurizing the area to control pain and swelling to some extent. Let this gauze remain in the mouth and keep on pressing it regularly. If it is filled with blood, change it, but do not spit the blood. Remember, spitting, smoking and sucking with straws, may give rise to a condition called dry socket. In this, the blood clot forming on the wound is dislodged and gives rise to extreme pain, bad smell and infection. Plus, healing is delayed.
Be careful while brushing, not to brush the area around the wound. That may abrade the wound.
One more thing to observe is to keep your head elevated with the help of pillows, when you lie down. This is necessary for controlling pain, bleeding and swelling during the recovery period. Avoid touching the wound with tongue or fingers. Also avoid using commercial mouthwashes.
Cold pack for the first twenty-four hours, and warm pack thereafter, are good for faster wisdom teeth recovery. Cold pack can be applied with the help of ice. Alternatively, you can use a pack of frozen peas, which give the same advantage, without the disadvantage of melting down. Warm pack can be applied using a washcloth or towel, soaked with warm water. Both these packs should be applied on 20-minutes on, 20-minutes off schedule. If you follow such simple routines, your wisdom teeth recovery will take no longer than 5-6 days.