Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the common surgeries in oral surgery. Although the surgical process has become relatively safe and efficient under modern medical technology, postoperative rehabilitation is equally crucial. Scientific and reasonable rehabilitation can not only alleviate discomfort, but also effectively prevent infection and promote wound healing. Next, we will provide a detailed introduction to each key step in the recovery process after wisdom tooth surgery to help you smoothly get through the recovery period.
Immediate postoperative care: The golden 30 minutes
The moment one comes out of the operating room, recovery has already begun. The doctor will place a sterile cotton ball at the tooth extraction wound. At this time, you need to gently bite the cotton ball and apply pressure to help stop the bleeding. Be sure to apply moderate force. If it’s too light, it won’t stop the bleeding. Pay attention to applying moderate force. If it is too light, it will not achieve the hemostatic effect; if it is too heavy, it may cause pain or damage the wound. The time for biting a cotton ball is generally 30 to 45 minutes. During this period, try not to speak, spit or frequently change the cotton ball to avoid creating negative pressure in the mouth, which may cause the blood clot to fall off and lead to secondary bleeding.
Spit out the cotton ball after 30 minutes and observe the condition of the wound. If there is still a small amount of bleeding, it is a normal phenomenon. You can bite into a new cotton ball for 15 to 30 minutes. If there is a large amount of bleeding, which is bright red and does not stop, contact a doctor immediately for treatment. At the same time, within 24 hours after the operation, you can apply ice packs or cold towels to the cheeks for 15 to 20 minutes each time, with an interval of 1 to 2 hours. Cold compress can cause blood vessels to constrict, reduce local congestion and swelling, and relieve pain.
Within 24 hours after the operation: Critical protection period
The 24 hours after the operation is a crucial period for the initial healing of the wound. During this time, oral care requires extra caution. First of all, do not brush your teeth or rinse your mouth. Brushing your teeth may remove the blood clots on the surface of the wound, and rinsing your mouth will increase the pressure inside the mouth, which can also easily cause the blood clots to fall off. If there is a smell of blood or a small amount of blood in the mouth, you can swallow it gently. Do not spit frequently to avoid an increase in negative pressure in the mouth.
In terms of diet, after the anesthetic effect gradually wears off two hours after the operation, you can consume some warm, cool and soft foods, such as ice cream, cold milk and thin porridge. In addition to its pleasant taste, ice cream can also play a certain role in stopping bleeding and reducing swelling at low temperatures. However, it should be noted that chewing on the affected side should be avoided to prevent food residues from entering the wound and causing infection. At the same time, it is necessary to avoid eating spicy, irritating and overly hot foods, as these foods can irritate the wound, aggravate pain and swelling.
On the day of the operation, try to rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous exercise and overwork. When sleeping, you can slightly raise your head to keep it higher than your heart. This is beneficial for the return of venous blood and helps reduce facial swelling.
1-3 days after the operation: Peak period of swelling and pain
One to three days after the operation, swelling and pain will reach their peak, which is a normal response of the body to surgical trauma. At this point, cold compresses can continue to be used to relieve swelling. The duration and interval of each cold compress are the same as those for immediate postoperative care. Starting from the third day after the operation, you can switch to hot compress. Apply a warm towel or hot water bag to the cheek for 15 to 20 minutes each time, 3 to 4 times a day. Hot compress can promote local blood circulation, accelerate the dissipation of inflammation and tissue repair.
In terms of pain management: doctors usually prescribe painkillers based on the patient’s condition. Take the medicine strictly as prescribed by the doctor on time. Do not increase or decrease the dosage or stop taking the medicine by yourself. If the pain is severe and painkillers are not effective, you should contact your doctor in time to adjust the treatment plan. At the same time, pay close attention to the condition of the wound. If there are symptoms such as severe pain from the wound, bad breath, or fever, it may be a sign of wound infection and immediate medical attention is required.
In terms of oral hygiene: you can start rinsing your mouth gently with light salt water 24 hours after the operation. Each time, rinse your mouth for about 30 seconds, 5 to 6 times a day. Light salt water has a certain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, which can keep the mouth clean and reduce the growth of bacteria. However, it should be noted that when rinsing your mouth, do not rinse vigorously to avoid disrupting the blood clot.
In terms of diet: continue to choose soft, glutinous and easily digestible foods, such as noodles, steamed eggs, tofu, etc. It is advisable to appropriately increase the intake of protein-rich foods, such as fish and chicken, which can help with wound healing. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure adequate water intake to promote metabolism.
Four to seven days after the operation: The wound healing period
Four to seven days after the operation, the wound begins to heal gradually, and swelling and pain will be significantly reduced. At this point, you can gradually resume normal oral hygiene by gently brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, but be sure to avoid surgical wounds to prevent damage to new tissues. When brushing your teeth, follow the correct brushing method. Each brushing session should last no less than three minutes to ensure that every surface of your teeth is thoroughly cleaned.
In terms of diet: one can gradually transition to a normal diet, but it is still necessary to avoid eating overly hard or tough foods, such as nuts and beef jerky, to prevent food residues from getting stuck in the wound or the healing tissue. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to a balanced diet, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, supplement vitamins and minerals, and promote wound healing.
In terms of activities: one can appropriately increase the amount of activity, but still avoid strenuous exercise and overwork. If the wound heals well and there is no obvious discomfort, some light exercises can be done, such as taking a walk. However, it should be noted that after exercising, it is necessary to replenish water in time to keep the mouth moist.
1-2 weeks after the operation: The later stage of recovery
One to two weeks after the operation, the wound has basically healed, but it is still necessary to pay attention to oral hygiene and diet. When brushing your teeth, you can gradually start cleaning the surgical wound, but the movements should be gentle. Continue to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Rinse your mouth promptly after meals and brush your teeth on time in the morning and evening.
In terms of diet, one can gradually return to a normal diet, but it is important to chew food thoroughly and avoid overeating. At the same time, one should eat less spicy, greasy and irritating food to protect oral health.
If during the postoperative recovery process, abnormal conditions such as slow wound healing, continuous bleeding, and persistent pain occur, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly for further examination and treatment
Other Precautions
Quit smoking and drinking: Harmful substances such as nicotine in tobacco can affect the blood supply to wounds and delay their healing. Alcohol can irritate wounds, aggravate pain and swelling, and may also have adverse reactions with drugs. Therefore, during the recovery period after wisdom tooth surgery, it is essential to strictly quit smoking and drinking.
Avoid strenuous exercise: Strenuous exercise can raise blood pressure, increase the risk of bleeding from wounds, and may also cause physical fatigue, affecting wound healing. During the postoperative recovery period, it is necessary to avoid strenuous activities such as running, rope skipping and playing basketball. Normal activities can be gradually resumed only after the wound has completely healed.
Maintain a good state of mind: During the postoperative recovery process, various discomforts such as pain and swelling may occur. At this time, it is necessary to keep a good state of mind and face them positively. Excessive anxiety and tension can affect the endocrine system of the body, and thereby influence wound healing. One can relax and relieve stress by listening to music, watching movies and other means.
Attend follow-up appointments on time: Follow the doctor’s instructions and attend follow-up appointments on time. The doctor will check to understand the healing progress of the wound and promptly identify and address any potential issues. Under normal circumstances, a follow-up visit is required 7 to 10 days after the operation to remove the stitches (if suturing was performed during the operation).
Conclusion
The rehabilitation after wisdom tooth surgery requires patience and meticulousness. By following scientific rehabilitation methods and doing a good job in the care at each stage, the wound can heal smoothly and oral health can be restored. If you have any questions or discomfort during the recovery process, communicate with your doctor at any time to ensure a smooth recovery process.
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