5 ways to heal quickly after wisdom teeth removal

Our specialists at Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, Drs. Mark A. Spinazze, Russell P. Spinazze, and Eliza P. Drobny, position you for success after wisdom teeth removal or extraction. Their considerable skill and experience support a safe and comfortable healing journey. You can also support predictable healing by understanding what to expect and how to care for your mouth in the following five ways. 

1 – Understanding “what’s normal” post-treatment 

Our teams in Mount Prospect, Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, and Chicago, Illinois, review what to expect and monitor for in the hours and days after your procedure. In general, some swelling, tenderness, and light bleeding are to be expected. These are actually signs that the extraction sites are healing. Your jaw may also feel stiff, and your muscles may be sore for up to two weeks. Again, this is a normal part of the process.

2 – When to contact us immediately 

Likewise, we will review potential signs that your extraction sites are not healing properly. If you are experiencing persistent or worsening pain, as well as bleeding that is difficult to staunch even with the application of gauze, these are potential red flags for an infection that warrant an immediate call to our office. Other trouble signs include: 

• Increasing swelling and redness around the extraction sites
• The presence of discharge or pus
• An ongoing foul taste in your mouth and/or bad breath
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck/jaw area 
• You are running a fever and experiencing general feelings of malaise 

3 – Managing “normal” side effects

There are several things to do to quickly put the undesirable effects behind you and support fast healing. Light bleeding can be controlled with the gentle application of gauze pads. The application of cooling also helps with swelling. Never place any sources of cold temperatures, such as ice packs, directly on the tissues. Always apply the treatment to the skin outside the treatment sites. Do not engage in strenuous exercise or physical activities post-treatment to avoid potential complications (such as “dry socket”). Take it easy. Rest with your head slightly elevated to minimize swelling. Be sure to take pain medications as prescribed before any numbing anesthetic has worn off. 

4 – Fueling healing 

Your healing process is what you eat and other behaviors that you engage in during the critical hours and days following wisdom teeth removal. To fuel a complication-free and healthy recovery, stay hydrated! Drink plenty of H20 and electrolyte-containing beverages. Maintaining fluid balance also helps combat nausea, dehydration, and other problems when taking pain meds. After bleeding has stopped, and if you tolerate clear fluids, you can slowly work your way up to soft foods. Good picks include Jell-O, ice cream, yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, milkshakes, smoothies, and other easy-to-eat options. Stick to softer snacks and meals over the next two to five days. It is best to avoid anything that is hot, spicy, crunchy, or overly chewy, as such foods can be irritating, disrupt healing, and may contribute to dry socket. 

5 – Gentle care

Always think in terms of a light touch. Any behaviors or habits that could dislodge the blood clot must be avoided. When the blood clot is forced from its socket due to vigorous actions like intensely rinsing your mouth and sucking up drinks through straws, painful osteitis may arise. This leaves the bony walls of the extraction site/socket vulnerable. Bacteria may enter, irritate the site, and produce pain and inflammation. 

Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery also greatly empowers patients with the information they need to get and stay healthy. If you have any questions or concerns about what to expect following wisdom teeth removal, contact one of our four area offices today – in Chicago, IL (773) 736-3300, Mt Prospect (847) 255-7080, Bartlett (630) 289-5002, or Elk Grove Village (847) 593-0535.

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