Get a Glamurous Smile

If you've just had a wisdom teeth extraction completed, you'll want to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery period. The dentist's staff will provide you with after-care instructions that you should follow. However, there are some other steps you can take to help you get through the first few days after the procedure. Here are four steps that will keep you comfortable while you heal.

Rest with Your Head Elevated

Now that you're home from having your wisdom teeth extracted, you should get some rest. This is especially important for the first couple of days. While you're resting, it's important that you keep your head elevated. Keeping your head elevated with pillows will help keep your blood flowing properly.

Relieve the Pressure

In order to extract your wisdom teeth, your jaw needed to be held open during the entire procedure. You may be noticing increased pain and pressure in your jaws now that you're home. You can alleviate some of that discomfort by carefully massaging your jaws. Place two fingers on each side of your jaw near your ears. Gently massage your jaw by moving your fingers in a circular clockwise motion. Continue massaging for about two minutes. Reverse to a counterclockwise motion and massage for two more minutes. Repeat the massage several times a day.

Prevent Dry Socket

Dry socket can cause excruciating pain following an extraction. When your wisdom teeth are extracted, the sockets will be left open where the teeth once were. During the healing process, the sockets will fill with blood and will start to clot shortly after the procedure. If the blood clots come loose, the sockets may not close properly. Here are some things you should avoid for the first few days after surgery.

• Drinking through straws
• Swishing fluids vigorously
• Toothbrushes on the surgical site

Keep Your Mouth Moist

While your sockets are healing, your mouth needs to stay moist. The moisture will help the healing process by keeping germs and bacteria flushed out of your mouth. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times during the first few days following the procedure. Whenever you feel your mouth drying out, take a few small sips of water. You can also swish the water around in your mouth several times a day.

If you've had your wisdom teeth extracted, use the steps provided above to help ensure a full recovery. Be sure to contact your dentist if you have any questions or concerns regarding the procedure.