If you are set to have your wisdom teeth extracted in Greenville, SC, you may already be thinking about how long it will take you to recover from the procedure. In general, fully recovering from wisdom teeth removal takes several weeks. However, there are certain steps you can take to help speed up your recovery. Some of the steps you can take include:
Keep Your Head Elevated
For the first three days after wisdom teeth removal, it’s advisable to keep your head elevated from the rest of your body at all times. This helps prevent blood from pooling in the extraction site, which may cause the wound to throb. When it’s time to go to bed, stack several pillows on top of each other to help keep your head elevated even while lying down.
Open Your Mouth
Many people experience soreness or stiffness after the procedure. As such, many people avoid opening their mouths at all for the first few days. Take note, however, that keeping your mouth closed for several days can lead to further stiffness and discomfort. When opening your mouth for the first time after the procedure, do so slowly and gently.
Control Bleeding with Teabags
Right after the procedure, respected dentists like Dr. Trey Kenna will use sterilized gauze to help control any bleeding. However, you may notice bleeding at the site of extraction up to a few days after the procedure. When this happens, you may use a damp tea bag to help manage the bleeding if you do not have gauze at home. Tea leaves are known to help reduce pain and encourage clotting.
Have a Glass of Coconut Water
Some people tend to have problems getting enough nutrients after wisdom tooth removal. After all, it can be difficult to get enough of the vitamins and minerals you need when you shift over to a liquid diet over the course of the first few days of your recovery. A good workaround would be to have a refreshing glass of natural coconut water, which is rich in a variety of nutrients. It also replenishes your electrolytes and helps balance your blood sugar.
Source
Important Healing Tips When Removing Wisdom Teeth, colgate.com