Recovering from wisdom teeth removal is no fun, but it can be made easier if you follow the care plan offered by your surgeon. Here are a few considerations for self-caring once the surgery is over:
- In the first hour – Now that you have finally had affordable wisdom teeth removal Sydney, you need to begin by gently and firmly biting down on the piece of gauze packing the surgical site so that you ensure that it stays put. You shouldn’t change the gauze within that first hour unless there is a case of uncontrolled bleeding. You will need to keep changing the gauze, preferably every 30 or so minutes. Moistening it with water can make it more comfortable.
- Be careful – On the first day, you want to make sure that the surgical area remains undisturbed. Be sure not to probe the surgical site and you shouldn’t rinse out your mouth vigorously. Brushing your teeth, however, can be done, albeit gently. During the healing process, you should completely avoid smoking as it retards your healing. It increases your chances of getting dry sockets and your discomfort as well.
- Oral hygiene – Even after cheap wisdom teeth removal Sydney, you still need to keep your mouth clean. This is very important. Be sure to brush your teeth very gently the first night following surgery but keep the brushing gentle around the site of the surgery. If the bleeding is just a little, then you should begin rinsing out with salt within 24 hours of surgery. The mixture should comprise 8 ounces of water and 1 tablespoon of salt. You want to gently swish it around your mouth and then just let the water drip back into the sink. Do this twice or thrice a day, preferably after you have eaten.
- Activities to engage in – On that first day, you are allowed to be a couch potato. Lie on the bed or couch all day. If you lift, bend or do some other strenuous activity, you will likely increase your pain, swelling and bleeding. If you have been lying down and need to stand, exercise caution because standing up suddenly could lead to light-headedness. Do not exercise as this could lead to discomfort, swelling and bleeding. Any exercise should only be commenced after 3 or 4 days.
Pain – Sadly, you will experience some discomfort, but the good news is that the surgeon will have prescribed some pain pills for you. Prior to the anaesthesia wearing out, be sure to take the first pill because this helps in managing pain later. There are some patients who experience nausea with strong pain medication. If you are one of these, be sure to first eat something small in order to stave off the nausea.