What NOT To Do After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth extraction is a very common dental procedure that is considered both safe and effective. However, as with any other surgical procedure, there are potential risks involved, especially if you don’t follow all the after-care instructions that a medical professional has given.

Continue reading to learn about what not to do after wisdom tooth removal.

Table of Contents

What is Wisdom Tooth Removal?

A wisdom tooth extraction or removal is a minor surgical procedure that removes one or more wisdom teeth due to issues such as impacted, partially erupted, or over-erupted wisdom teeth.

These issues can cause symptoms like pain, swollen gums, stiff jaws and headaches. They may also cause further complications, including tooth infection, decay and gum disease.

Possible Complications After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Some possible complications associated with wisdom tooth removal can include:

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis): After your wisdom tooth removal procedure, blood clots form in the extraction site, which helps your mouth to heal. If these blood clots are dislodged, the nerve becomes exposed to bacteria, food debris, or air, which can lead to a tooth infection. Symptoms include throbbing and sharp pain.
Excessive bleeding: It is normal for the extraction site to bleed for several hours after the procedure. However, if you notice continuous bleeding for a few days, it could indicate a more serious issue. Contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Infection: Exposure to bacteria can sometimes cause a tooth infection, with symptoms including persistent sharp pain, pus, swelling, and tenderness.
Nerve damage: Although rare, the nerves near the wisdom teeth can be damaged during the procedure, leading to tingling and numbness. Most of the time, nerve damage is temporary, although in some cases, it can be permanent.
Sinus issues: The wisdom teeth located in the upper jaw are close to the sinus cavities (the maxillary sinus). During the procedure, a tooth fragment may dislodge and enter the maxillary sinus, leading to sinus pain, infection, or complications.
Broken or damaged jaw: In extremely rare cases, the jawbone can become damaged or fractured during the procedure.

What NOT to Do After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

To reduce the risk of any complications after the wisdom tooth removal procedure, here are some essential things you need to avoid:

Don’t Use Straws Or Smoke

Using straws or smoking involves inhaling; this creates suction in your mouth, which can dislodge the blood clot at the extraction site and cause dry socket complications. It can also cause further discomfort and pain.

Don’t Consume Hard, Sticky Or Chewy Foods

Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can damage or irritate the extraction site, leading to pain and infection, which is why it’s important to stick to a soft-food diet for the first several days after your wisdom tooth extraction.

A soft-food diet usually includes soups, smoothies, jelly, yoghurt, ice cream, and mashed potatoes. If you’re not sure if you can eat a specific type of food, double-check with your dentist.

Stay Away from Cigarettes, Vapes and Tobacco Products

Cigarettes, vapes and tobacco products contain nicotine and other chemicals that can interfere with the healing process.

Stop Your Oral Hygiene Routine

You may think you need to skip your oral hygiene routine for a few days while your mouth heals after a wisdom tooth extraction. However, it is still critical to keep your teeth clean.

You just need to modify your oral hygiene routine. This includes avoiding direct contact with the extraction site and avoiding brushing and flossing for the first 24 hours after the procedure. After 24 hours have passed, you can begin brushing and flossing gently, taking extra care around the extraction site.

Your dentist may also recommend using a saltwater solution as a mouthwash to keep the extraction site clean and to aid in the healing process.

Don’t Engage in Physical Activity

If you exercise soon after the procedure, it can increase the blood flow and blood pressure, which can lead to a prolonged period of bleeding and delay the healing process. Make sure you rest up and avoid physical activity for the first few days after getting your wisdom teeth removed.

Enjoy the break in your routine!

Say No to Alcohol

Alcohol can also negatively impact the healing process and clash with the medication you’re taking, prolonging the healing time.

Avoid Citrus Fruits and Spicy Food

Citrus fruits can sting the extraction wound, while spicy foods can irritate and inflame it.

Don’t Skip Medications

Your dentist will prescribe you medication to prevent infection, swelling and pain after your wisdom tooth extraction. It’s important to follow their instructions and finish the course of medication to avoid any complications and prevent pain and infection.

Avoid Contact with Extraction Site

It may be tempting to poke at the wound with your tongue or finger, but it’s not a good idea to do so. Not only will it hurt, but it may dislodge the blood clot, disrupt the healing process, and introduce bacteria into the wound.

Don’t Ignore Signs of Complications

If you notice bleeding, pain and swelling that persists for days after the procedure, don’t ignore it. It can indicate a more serious complication, such as a tooth infection, which can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.
Contact your dentist or GP as soon as possible for a check-up if you notice your symptoms persist or get worse.

Don’t Drive Or Operate Machinery

Avoid driving or operating machinery for the first 24-48 hours after your wisdom teeth extraction, as the anesthesia and medication you are on can make you drowsy, and you can risk getting into an accident.

How Long Does It Take to Heal from Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Each person is different, but on average, it may take anywhere from one to two weeks to fully recover from a wisdom tooth extraction, depending on how complex the removal procedure is (having all four wisdom teeth removed is more complicated than removing only one).

What Factors May Impact Recovery?

Some factors that may impact your recovery include:

Your overall physical health
Your oral health
Any underlying issues you may have
How many wisdom teeth you have removed
How closely you follow your dentist’s after-care instructions
Whether or not you have any complications or side effects

Atria Dental Gordon is a family-owned dental clinic in Gordon, NSW, with a friendly, professional team and years of experience providing dental treatments. We understand the importance of our patients, and we put your care and comfort before all else. Our philosophy is to support our patients with the best dental care, delivering results that make you happy, give you renewed confidence, and help you love your smile.

To learn more about Atria Dental’s Wisdom Tooth Removal/Extraction procedure or any of our other treatments, please get in touch with us at 02 400 8310 or visit our website.