Wisdom tooth extraction often leaves a large hole in the gums and underlying bone. Most dentists suture these wounds. However, some complications can arise in cases where stitches are not used. Food residues, in fact, tend to get trapped in these cavities and it is not always effective to limit yourself to rinsing with salt water to eliminate them. Learn how to properly clean and care for the wound to avoid infections and complications during the healing process.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Taking Care of the Wound Immediately After Extraction
Step 1. Ask the dentist if he has sutured the wound
If the doctor has decided to close the opening, there is no risk of food getting stuck in it. You may notice gray, black, blue, green, or yellow particles near the extraction site, but be aware that this is completely normal and part of the healing process.
Step 2. Avoid touching the wound for the rest of the day
Brush all other teeth thoroughly and floss, but stay away from the surgery site.
Step 3. Gently rinse your mouth with saline for the first 48 hours
You can also do some washing on the first day, but you have to take some precautions.
- Combine a pinch of salt in half a liter of hot water and mix well.
- Do not forcefully move the liquid inside your mouth and do not spit it out. Simply tilt your head in all directions to let the saline flow into your mouth.
- When finished, lean over the sink and open your mouth to drop the solution. Don't spit.
- Your dentist may have prescribed chlorhexidine for rinsing. It is an antibacterial mouthwash that kills pathogenic microorganisms.
Step 4. Do not use fingers or foreign objects to remove food
Don't even use your tongue to feel the hole. Both of these behaviors lead to the introduction of bacteria into the wound and could alter the healing process. Instead, limit yourself to rinsing with saline solution to eliminate food particles.
Step 5. Don't smoke or drink through straws
Any kind of sucking could move blood clots causing dry alveolitis and potentially serious infections.
Part 2 of 3: Rinse Your Mouth After Day One
Step 1. Prepare a saline solution
Rinses with this mixture are useful for cleaning oral wounds, removing food, controlling inflammation and pain.
- Add a pinch of salt to 250ml of water.
- Mix carefully so that the salt dissolves completely.
Step 2. Do gentle rinses until you have finished the entire solution
You should focus more on the side affected by the extraction, to better eliminate food residues and find some relief from inflammation.
Step 3. Repeat the procedure every two hours and after each meal
You should also provide thorough rinsing before bedtime. All of this allows you to control inflammation and keep the wound clean while it heals properly.
Step 4. Use a syringe, if recommended
This tool is useful for controlling the flow of water and cleaning the wound efficiently. However, if not used correctly, the syringe or irrigator can detach the clot that forms to promote tissue healing.
- Fill the syringe with warm water. You can also use the saline solution described above.
- Direct the tip of the syringe so that it is as close to the extraction site as possible, without touching the gums.
- Wash the area from various angles to clean it thoroughly and avoid infections.
Part 3 of 3: Knowing What to Expect After Day One
Step 1. Don't panic
Food that gets stuck in the hole left by a wisdom tooth may cause some discomfort, but is unlikely to lead to infection. Healing continues despite the residue and it is much more important not to touch or poke the wound.
Step 2. Be careful not to confuse the clot with food debris
Both, in fact, are gray in color and have a fibrous consistency. If you clean the wound too vigorously, you could remove the clot and cause more problems.
Step 3. Eat only soft foods
This caution is particularly important during the first 24 hours after surgery. Gradually switch to semi-soft foods as the wound heals, but continue to avoid hard, rubbery, and tangy ones, which are more likely to accumulate in the wound and irritate or infect the gums.
Chew on the opposite side of the extraction site
Step 4. Avoid contaminating the wound
Wash your hands often with soap and water. Don't shake hands with people for a week or so. Do not share your toothbrush or other personal items. You need to make sure you don't develop a secondary infection that can weaken your immune system.
Step 5. Know when to see your dentist
During the first few days it is completely normal for the area to bleed a little. However, if you experience any of the symptoms listed here, you should call your dentist or dental surgeon immediately.
- Excessive bleeding (more than slow oozing)
- Presence of pus in the wound;
- Difficulty in swallowing and breathing;
- Fever;
- Worsening of swelling after two to three days
- Blood or pus in the nasal mucus
- Dull, throbbing pain after the first 48 hours
- Bad breath after 3 days.
Advice
- Always check each hole carefully for a few more seconds to make sure all food has been eliminated. The opening in the gum is deeper than you think.
- This method is particularly effective with impacted wisdom teeth (which have not erupted beyond the gums), which must be extracted after an incision; however, it is very useful, regardless of the extraction technique.
- As an alternative to the syringe, use a spray bottle by changing the opening of the spout.
Warnings
- This procedure does not replace the instructions provided by the dentist. Always respect the dentist's instructions to the letter and inform him of any complications that may arise.
- Only start treatment when you can open your mouth without discomfort.
- If you experience pain during the procedure, call your dentist before continuing.
- Make sure any tools you use are sterile and single-use.
