It’s almost always best to have your wisdom teeth removed. Even if they manage to emerge without complications or impaction, they will still be prone to tooth decay and gum disease. In most cases, your dentist, Dr. Todd A. Williams, can extract your wisdom teeth in a single appointment. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, then they might refer you to an oral surgeon or endodontist.
During the recovery phase, you will need to stick to a soft-foods diet, like applesauce, mashed potatoes and yogurt. Maintaining a healthy, caloric diet will quicken the healing process. It’s also important to stay hydrated. You should drink plenty of fluids without using a straw. The suction from the straw can harm the incisions or pull blood clots loose.
Don’t be alarmed if the incisions weep a little blood for a few days after the extraction. You can control the bleeding by lightly packing the area with sterile gauze. After the bleeding stops, you can rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm saltwater to remove blood and soothe the gums.
Try to avoid using tobacco because it greatly irritates the gums, increases recovery time and causes serious infections. You should talk to physician about a tobacco cessation program before having your wisdom teeth extracted. Try to select a program that doesn’t call for lozenges or nicotine gum because they could also irritate your gums.
If you have questions about how to have a speedy and complication-free recovery after wisdom tooth extraction in Dallas, Texas, you can call Williams and Williams Facial and Oral Surgery at 214-691-0101. Your dentist, Dr. Todd A. Williams, will be happy to help you!