According to the American Public Health Association, wisdom tooth extraction in the United States costs approximately $3 billion annually. In fact, wisdom tooth removal is the most common oral surgery procedure.
Though wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure, it’s extremely important to follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions. These instructions help you heal quickly and keep discomfort to a minimum.
Keep Your Head Held High
Rest in a position with your head elevated instead of lying down flat, like how you’d elevate a sprained ankle. Keeping your head elevated helps minimize any pain and swelling and in turn, keeps you on track for a quick recovery.
Good Oral Hygiene
Natural bacteria help keep your mouth healthy. However, smoking or poor hygiene can disrupt the healthy balance of your mouth’s bacterial ecosystem. If these bacteria become unbalanced, it leaves room for foreign bacteria to cause infection, especially at the sensitive extraction site. Rinsing gently with warm salt water starting the day after surgery. Staying mindful of your hygiene will help keep your mouth healthy and healing quickly.
Listen To Your Doctor
Your doctor wants to help you avoid painful complications and a difficult recovery. Oral surgeons are experts with wisdom tooth extraction and how to have a quick, comfort