The fact is, getting wisdom teeth removed is not a fun experience. But it is often necessary in order to ensure good oral health and proper functionality long term. The good news is that there are certain things that you can do to keep discomfort at a tolerable level after wisdom teeth removal.
By understanding effective and safe tips for wisdom teeth pain relief, you can keep the symptoms at a minimum level and make the recovery process as pleasant as possible. The following are four effective tips for managing pain and discomfort during the wisdom teeth removal recovery process.
Pain relief medication is a great way to reduce the swelling after wisdom teeth removal and keep the discomfort to a minimum. Of course, it is important not to exceed the recommended dosage. Be sure to talk to the dentist about the recommended amount of pain relief medication and the best type of over-the-counter pain reliever during recovery. If minor discomfort still exists even while taking a pain reliever, do not panic or take more medication. Instead, find other ways to minimize the remaining discomfort (see below).
An ice pack is a simple and effective way to keep pain and swelling to a minimum after wisdom teeth removal. Simply placing the pack or bag of ice on the affected area(s) is one of the most recommended ways to manage the pain among dentists. In fact, many dentists use ice packs to ease the initial discomfort after the extraction procedure. There are different strategies for using ice, but one of the more helpful is to ice the area for 15 minutes, remove the ice for 15 minutes and then repeat. This keeps swelling down and can numb some of the pain.
Managing pain is important, but even more importantly it is essential to do everything possible to prevent an infection after wisdom teeth removal. One way to kill and remove bacteria in the mouth and minimize the risk of infection is with a saltwater rinse. The saltwater rinse can kill bacteria and wash away food particles that may contribute to pain and swelling. Subsequently, it can help with pain relief as well as prevent oral health concerns from developing.
You may not need an ice pack but a numbing gel is often effective, as well. Consider asking your dentist about the best numbing gel to use for wisdom teeth pain relief, as some are available over the counter. If the pain still exists despite pain relief medication, ice packs and keeping the mouth clean, then numbing gel can be a great solution to try next.
If you are having issues with your wisdom teeth, then feel free to reach out to our team today to arrange a time to meet with us for a consultation visit. During the visit, we can assess your symptoms and determine whether wisdom teeth removal is recommended.
Request an appointment here: https://dentalstudiocolleyville.com or call Dental Studio Colleyville at (817) 885-5188 for an appointment in our Colleyville office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
The idea of getting a wisdom tooth extraction is something that can spark fear in people because it does involve the removal of very embedded teeth; however, modern technology has made the procedure less painful. Additionally, the in-depth training that general dentists undergo ensures that the process will be efficient and quick.For the most part,…
Tooth extraction isn’t generally that complex of a procedure unless we’re talking about wisdom tooth removal. While normal and even surgical extractions can be standard practice, having your wisdom teeth taken out can be a much more involved task for both you and your dentist, depending on the situation behind the removal. It is not…
A wisdom teeth extraction can be daunting for many; however, rest assured that modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of tools that makes the procedure safe and efficient. Even so, a wisdom tooth extraction can make for a pretty lengthy and involved recovery process. Thankfully, there are a lot of ways to make the…
A wisdom tooth extraction is something that many patients prefer to postpone. After all, if the third molars are asymptomatic, many patients may feel that it is unnecessary to proceed with dental surgery. However, waiting to have wisdom teeth extracted can cause problems for the patient's other teeth as well as the patient's overall oral…
Dental implants are available to provide permanent restoration to missing teeth. Though a favorite among dental professionals and patients, there are a few things to consider before choosing these smile restoratives.Patients will need an adequate amount of underlying jaw for the dental implant process. Patients with insufficient jawbone density may be eligible for bone grafts,…
Many people undergo teeth whitening procedures to make their smile look healthier and to increase their self-esteem. Although this procedure is largely painless unless you have very sensitive teeth, it is common to question the safety of products used to whiten your teeth. The safety of whitening procedures depends on many factors. Here are some common…