For most people today, having your wisdom teeth removed is akin to a rite of passage. The pain, the post-procedure discomfort, and the sacrifice of solid foods for several days all combine to create the kind of ordeal usually reserved for aboriginal adolescents. Thankfully, there are things you can do to minimize your suffering and make the experience more bearable simply by planning ahead.
Relief from the Pain
Besides simply taking the prescribed medication you receive, it's a good idea to look to other pain relieving options too. Part of the persistent discomfort is the result of swelling and irritation due to the trauma that results from an extraction of this nature. Bringing that swelling down can't be done with medication alone, so look at options for keeping something cold against your jaw while you recover.
Ice gel packs are one option, but these tend to start out solid and can cause more discomfort than they relieve. Instead, consider frozen vegetable packs, such as peas or corn, which are small enough that they will shift and move as pressure is applied to them, but they will still retain a lot of cold. If you'd rather have something with a longer shelf-life, you can wet a washcloth, seal it in a zip top bag, and freeze it. The cloth will be thin enough to flex, but thick enough to offer long-term cooling.
Your Grocery List for the Week
Every patient is different, but most people are back on solid foods within a week of extraction. Until then, you need to be able to get nutrients and calories without putting yourself through agony in the process. Obviously you'll want to focus on soft foods, such as pudding and mashed potatoes, but there are ways to spice things up without regretting it later.
Consider legumes, such as lentils and beans as a protein replacement for this recovery period, but remember to take them just a little past done to ensure they take little or no chewing. You can enrich the experience with a yogurt-based sauce and spices you might find in good Indian cuisine. Alternately, if you'll be preparing most of your own meals, look for microwavable pouches that are easy to prepare while you are affected by your pain medication, such as rice pilafs soups and other single service fare.
No one enjoys recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction, but that doesn't mean you should have to suffer needlessly. Proper planning can ensure that the days you spend in recovery are as pleasant as possible. All you should need to worry about is making sure you have someone to drive you home after the extraction is done.
To schedule an appointment for wisdom teeth extraction, contact a dentist office such as New Image Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.
Share30 June 2015
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