Wisdom Teeth Extraction Aftercare – LaGrange, GA

Recover Quickly with Proper Care

Young woman smiling after tooth extraction in LaGrange

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted from 5 million people in the United States each year. The vast majority of men and women who get their wisdom teeth removed do not experience any adverse effects, such as dry socket. Below are some basic aftercare instructions you should follow to prevent infection and heal as quickly as possible following wisdom tooth extraction in LaGrange.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Woman brushing her teeth in the morning

Keeping your mouth clean after wisdom tooth extraction is especially important in order to avoid getting an infection. Continue to brush at least twice a day and floss daily but take special care to avoid the surgical site.

In addition, you can reduce the risk of infection by regularly rinsing with saltwater. Mix one teaspoon of salt with a warm cup of water and gently rinse your mouth in the morning, before bed, and after each meal.

Finally, if you typically wear a mouthguard at night for teeth grinding or TMJ dysfunction, you can resume wearing it after 24 hour or as instructed by Dr. Jacobs. If you try to wear your mouthguard after your oral surgery but find it causes you discomfort, wait a couple extra days and call our office for advice.

Protect Yourself from Dry Socket

Man giving thumbs up to dentist

After wisdom teeth extraction in LaGrange, blood clots typically form over the surgical site and protect the underlying bones and nerve endings while the socket heals. If the blood clot dissolves or becomes dislodged, the extraction site is left exposed and the healing process can be delayed. This is called dry socket, or alveolar oesteitis.

Follow these tips to reduce your chances of experiencing dry socket:

No Straws – The suction forces from drinking with a straw can dislodge your blood clot. Avoid using straws for at least a week after getting your wisdom teeth removed.
Avoid Certain Foods – Avoid small or crumbly foods that can easily get stuck in the socket, such as nuts, seeds, or chips. Soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or applesauce are generally recommended for the first days following oral surgery.
No Smoking – Smoking cigarettes or vaping can increase your risk of developing dry socket.
Share Your Medical Information – Certain medications thin the blood, which can make it harder for a blood clot to form. Be sure to keep Dr. Jacobs up to date with whichever medications you are currently taking.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene – Oral infections can attack and break down a blood clot. Follow the advice in the previous section to maintain a healthy smile.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Man at dentist smiling into hand mirror

Regular dental checkups are just as important after undergoing tooth extraction in LaGrange. Every time you come to LaGrange Oral Surgery & Implant Center for a routine visit, Dr. Jacobs will carefully clean and inspect your teeth. He will also examine the extraction sites to make sure they have fully healed and that there are no signs of infection.

If it is time for your next checkup or you have more questions about wisdom teeth extraction aftercare, do not hesitate to contact our team today!