There is often some discomfort after having the wisdom teeth removed, especially if the teeth were impacted.
Here’s what you can do to make the recovery as fast and painless as possible.
If your child still needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, you can contact one of our offices in [city] to book an evaluation. To find out more, call us at [phone] or email us at [email].
1. Reduce swelling and bruising with reusable, gel ice packs.
Regular ice packs are good, but gel ice packs can make your life a little easier because they’re less messy. They’re also able to fit around your face a little more comfortable than a bag filled with ice.
The ice packs should be used for the first 1-2 days. After the first 24 to 36 hours, ice has little beneficially effect to reduce swelling.
2. Use a Wrap to Keep Ice on More Comfortably
Cut a pair of pantyhose at the knee and knot the ends. You can then put an ice pack in each thigh of the pantyhose and tie the ends of the pantyhose on top of the patients head. Adjust ice to sides of face over surgical sites.
3. Take Any Medication Recommended by the Oral Surgeon
Depending on whether or not the wisdom teeth were impacted, there may be varying levels of pain and swelling after removal.
If the oral surgeon has prescribed pain medication for your child, have them take it when they begin to feel discomfort and try to keep them on schedule. This will help your child relax and get some rest, making it easier for them to heal.
Pain or discomfort following surgery is usually at its worst 24-48 hours after surgery, after that it should subside more and more every day. If pain persists or worsens, it may require attention, and you should contact the office.
If your child has been placed on antibiotics, ensure they take them at the scheduled intervals so any infection heals up properly.
4. Eat Soft Foods
We recommend liquid and soft foods for the first couple days following wisdom teeth removal. Although it may be difficult, ensure your child does not skip meals. They will feel better, have more strength, and heal faster if they continue to eat.
Here’s a couple recommendations that your child may enjoy:
- Pudding
- Ice cream
- Smoothies
- Meal replacement shakes
- Mashed potatoes
- Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Yogurt
- Soup (although make sure it’s not too hot)
Also ensure that your child does not use a straw, as the sucking motion can cause more bleeding by dislodging the blood clot.
5. Relax
Have your child relax as much as possible for the first couple days following surgery. The surgery combined with the pain medication can make patients groggy. Bending, lifting, or strenuous activity can also result in increased bleeding, swelling, and pain.
It’s best just to lie down and rest as much as possible during this period for the fastest recovery. Get them set up with a tv or books to help them pass the time.
6. Brush Teeth Gently to Keep the Mouth Clean
It’s important to keep the teeth and mouth clean following wisdom teeth removal so be sure to have your child gently brush their teeth that evening and in the days following.
Soreness and swelling means they should not be brushing vigorously, but it is extremely important to clean the teeth. Maintaining a clean environment near the healing surgical wounds will allow for optimum and speedy healing.
7. Contact the Office with Questions
If you have any concerns after treatment, feel free to give us a call.
You should definitely call if:
- Swelling gets worse instead of better after a few days
- There’s excessive bleeding
- Your child is experiencing severe, throbbing pain 3-4 days post-surgery.
- Your child is experiencing an elevated fever that persists.
Does Your Child Need Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If they do or you’re unsure, you can contact us at [phone] to book an evaluation. You can also email us at [email] with any questions.