After the extraction of a wisdom tooth

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, what terrifies the vast majority of patients is the period immediately following the operation.
So what happens after a wisdom tooth is extracted?
The aim of this article is to draw up a series of useful tips to minimize the risk of infection and reduce all the painful symptoms that can appear after an invasive surgery such as the extraction of a wisdom tooth.

after the extraction of a wisdom tooth.

with the head raised on a pair of pillows it is an effective remedy to relieve pain and gum bleeding after the extraction of a wisdom tooth

To prevent or plug any gum bleeding, it is recommended to keep an absorbent gauze pressed on the tooth extraction site for at least 30-60 minutes, without removing it or touching it with your fingers.

Check the degree of gingival bleeding only after 30 minutes from the placement of the sterile gauze on the wound left by the extraction of the tooth: for this purpose, the swab must be removed no earlier than half an hour

Take painkilling-anti-inflammatory drugs before the effect of the anesthesia wears off. Ibuprofen (eg Brufen, Moment) is particularly indicated to keep pain at bay: it is recommended to take the drug by mouth at a dose of 200-400 mg (tablets, effervescent sachets) every 4-6 hours after meals, as needed Do not take more than 2.4 grams per day.

In the first 5-6 hours after dental extraction it is recommended to keep an ice pack (wrapped on a soft cloth) outside the jaw, in line with the surgery site.Remove the ice after 10 minutes and apply it again after another ten minutes.

If necessary, take an antibiotic as a precaution or in case of confirmed infection: follow the instructions given by the doctor. The antibiotic can only be taken with a doctor's prescription.

Indicative dosage of antibiotic therapy to prevent infections after a "tooth extraction:

Amoxicillin 500 mg (to be taken even before the extraction): administer one tablet of the drug 2-3 times a day for 6 days, on a full stomach
Metronidazole 250 mg: take the drug 2-3 times a day, for 6 days, during or after a meal

Avoid driving immediately after the extraction: it is advisable to be accompanied by a family member or friend, especially if the wisdom tooth extraction operation was invasive or complicated

... in the days following the draw

An adequate rest in the days following the extraction favors complete recovery in less time
Gently rinse your mouth with disinfectant mouthwashes (e.g. chlorhexidine 0.2%) only after 12-24 hours after the extraction of the wisdom tooth. Continue rinsing for at least two weeks after the operation: it is advisable to rinse your mouth - with a quantity of solution that can contain a measuring cup - for at least one minute. Do not swallow the product. Do not rinse your mouth with medicated mouthwash before having carefully cleaned your teeth with toothpaste and a toothbrush: such an attitude can favor the appearance of stains on the teeth
Contact the dental office if the pain persists even after 3 days from the dental intervention
Proceed with the normal hygiene of the oral cavity with extreme delicacy in the dental extraction site (do not force with the toothbrush, prefer those with soft bristles)
Normal oral hygiene can be supported with salt and water rinses (solubilize a pinch of salt in a cup of warm water)
When necessary, blow your nose gently to prevent exertion from promoting gum bleeding

... in case of fever

Take antipyretic drugs (eg paracetamol) in the doses established by the doctor
Contact your dentist immediately if your body temperature exceeds 39 ° C and cannot be lowered with medication

... in case of gingival bleeding

Keep calm
Bite vigorously on a sterile gauze pad, keeping it pressed at the surgery site. If gingival bleeding persists, reposition a new sterile pad and do not remove it until bleeding stops
Apply ice packs externally
Gently remove any blood clots present in the mouth, following the directions suggested by the surgeon to the letter

fluffy such as mashed potatoes, warm soups, warm soups, smoothies, minced meat, baby food, puddings, meatballs, boiled fish, etc.

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration

Prefer water or low-sugar fruit juices

Avoid foods that are too hot, excessively cold or acidic

Smoking / chewing tobacco (abstain for at least 7-10 days after wisdom tooth extraction)

Sucking at the extraction site: such behavior extends the healing time of the wound and increases the risk of infection

Touch the wound with your hands, especially if dirty (hands are a source of bacteria)

Use a stiff bristled toothbrush

Chew gum or gummy candies in the 3 days following tooth extraction

Chewing solid food: such an attitude increases the chances of infection because the solid particles of the food can get stuck in the still open wound, opening the doors to the entry of bacteria.

Take drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid or salicylates in general (they could interfere with clotting)

Use the electric toothbrush for dental cleaning: it is strongly recommended to avoid using the water jet until the gum in the area where the wisdom tooth was extracted has healed completely

Practicing sports or other strenuous physical activity in the three days after a wisdom tooth is extracted