Local dentist shares Wisdom Tooth Extraction aftercare tips

Should there come a time when you need a wisdom tooth extraction, you must be well aware that this is an invasive and serious surgical procedure. It is completely safe when performed by a professional you can trust, but you will need to set aside time to recover after the surgery has been completed. 

Dr. Matthew Church welcomes patients in the Indianapolis, Indiana area to Washington Street Dentistry for necessary wisdom tooth extractions. Dr. Church is a trusted member of the community, and his patients have complete confidence in him to perform extractions safely and effectively. Following the completion of this procedure, Dr. Church provides specific aftercare instructions which should be followed to avoid complications such as infection and unnecessary pain or swelling.

What should be done after extraction

Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, there are some steps you should take during the first 24 hours:

• Restrict physical activities
• Avoid contact with the incision area
• No vigorous rinsing of the mouth
• Apply cold packs to the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling
• Remove gauze about 30 minutes to an hour after surgery
• Take any recommended pain medication to avoid discomfort

Here are some additional aftercare pointers you can follow.

Bleeding

Bleeding after a wisdom tooth extraction is not uncommon. You will likely experience slight bleeding, but excessive bleeding can be controlled by placing a gauze pad over the incision site. You can gently bite down on that for about half an hour to minimize the bleeding. If bleeding continues, try biting down on a tea bag instead of a gauze pad — tannic acid in the tea bag will help form a clot. Should bleeding persist, call your dentist.

Pain

Slight to moderate discomfort is not uncommon and can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications, including Tylenol or Ibuprofen, as directed by your dentist. If you suffer from severe pain, reach out to your dentist and see if they can prescribe you anything stronger. Stronger pain medications can cause slight dizziness, so be careful with standing up when on these.

If you are seeking a dentist who performs wisdom tooth extractions in the Indianapolis, IN area, please reach out to Dr. Matthew Church at Washington Street Dentistry today. To schedule an appointment, please call (317) 333-6788.

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