Thanks to improved oral healthcare and increased accessibility to a wide range of foods, people no longer need to rely on wisdom teeth for survival. In fact, they’re more likely to cause harm rather than help us in times of need. So when it’s time to remove wisdom teeth, what should patients expect in aftercare? How long does aftercare take? Do patients need to purchase additional supplies or set aside time off work or school?
Today, your sedation dentist is prepared to guide you through the process after getting wisdom teeth extractions in Asheville.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Wisdom teeth removal can take up to two weeks to recover from, but this can vary from patient to patient. The most important step to take during aftercare is to look after the wound as it’s healing. While the process is slow and gradual, you’ll notice the wound improving every day, assuming you don’t do anything to damage it.
In the first 24 hours, a blood clot will form over the socket. After a few days, swelling in the mouth and cheeks will go down. Once a week has passed, you’ll come back for a follow-up appointment to have any stitches removed. After about two weeks, any stiffness or soreness in the jaw should disappear and any bruising that occurred will begin to heal.
Important Tips to Know for Recovery
To ensure a speedy recovery, you’ll want to avoid certain habits as well as keep a softer diet. One of the key parts of the healing process is keeping the blood clot intact. If this becomes dislodged, it can prolong the healing process and cause a painful condition known as dry socket. To avoid this, never perform the following during the first 24 hours of healing:
- Brushing your teeth near the extraction site
- Drinking hot beverages
- Rinsing your mouth
- Eating foods that require chewing
- Sucking on straws
- Drinking alcohol
To keep the wound clean and prevent infection, use an antiseptic mouthwash, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater, and keep your head elevated when sleeping. Stick to a soft diet for the first few days after surgery. Appropriate foods include:
- Soft noodles
- Eggs
- Gelatin
- Soup
- Mashed banana
Why Visiting a Sedation Dentist in Asheville Makes a Difference
When you visit a sedation dentist for wisdom teeth extractions in Asheville, you can expect a significantly more comfortable surgery. One of the best forms of sedation for extractions is IV sedation. This lets your dentist administer sedatives directly into the bloodstream, allowing your dentist to make on-the-fly adjustments as necessary and ensure you’re relaxation levels during the treatment.
While sedatives help patients relax and even forget many of the details of the surgery, you’ll want to schedule a ride back home. IV sedation is strong, so you’ll likely feel side effects even after the IV is removed.
Take advantage of your dentist’s expertise in sedation dentistry. Schedule your extraction with him today!
About the Author
Dr. John White earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During his residency program, he received extensive training in sedation dentistry, allowing him to offer patients a more comfortable experience during oral surgery. To learn more about his practice, contact him through his website.