Around 5 million Americans have their wisdom tooth-or teeth-extracted. While a person can have 32 teeth, including the four third molars (or wisdom teeth), the mouth can accommodate only 28 of them properly. Moreover, these molars can also cause infection and other types of oral complications. Thus, removing them is often a good choice.
The surgical process has greatly improved over the years since it has become significantly less painful with only a short recovery period. However, the actual healing depends on the kind of post-operative care your doctor provides you.
One of the first things you should do is to make sure that there is a blood clot. This is to stop the bleeding. Some patients feel anxious since the bleeding doesn't stop immediately. You can, however, control it by firmly but gently biting some folded damp gauze, changing it every half to a full hour until the bleeding stops.
You should also expect swelling and physical discomfort after the surgery. Although both of these are normal, you must learn to regulate them to lessen the discomfort. Swelling, for example, may subside within a few days, and each day, the level of discomfort should decrease. Within the next 24 hours after surgery, keep an ice pack close. Place in the area that is swollen for 20 minutes then let the area rest for another 20 minutes. Repeat the process as long as you're awake.
As for the pain, there are already many different types of pain relievers available, and your dentist will recommend a good one as well. One of the things you should not skip, however, is your antibiotic. You need to take it religiously in order to reduce possible infection in the surgical site.
A few hours after your teeth extraction, you may feel numbness in your mouth, even your tongue, because of the anesthesia. At this time, it's best to avoid anything that's too hot or too cold, as well as too spicy, as you may not be able to recognize these sensations.
Within the next few days, eat soft food such as eggs and mashed potatoes. Avoid anything that requires you to suck (such as drinks with straws).