Healing after wisdom teeth?

Question

i know there are quite a few questions about this subject but i couldn'tt quite find an answer i was looking for...i got my wisdom teeth out on tuesday (the 29th) and I'm really worried about getting dry socket or doing something that might possibly slow down the healing process.

My swelling is still pretty bad. I'm almost out of my pain medication. And I was wondering what some signs of dry socket were. I know that they say it hurts. Some people say that I woulddefinitelyy know if I had it or not. We're going to try and get ahold of the oral surgeon who did my surgery so we can ask him but right now they are out of the office.

How long will it take for swelling to go down and until I can eat normal food? I know its a lot of questions but any info would be helpful.

Answer 1

From what I've heard dry socket is unbearable pain and there can also be a bad odor and taste that comes with it. Try finding an emergency dentist because if you have it they can treat it immediately.

If you're still in pain try taking Ibuprofen. 800mg up to 3 times a day will help with pain and reduce swelling. I don't know what pain meds you have but that is ok to take with Vicodin. Rinse with warm salt water 5 times a day and after especially after each meal. That will help heal the open wounds in your mouth. My dr. told me not to use ice after the first 24 hours. To use heat only, a heating pad or a moist warm cloth and hold that against the area for 20 minutes on and 20 off. My swelling went down completely after 6 days and my face swelled like a balloon. Which is when I started slowly trying normal foods.

You'll need to excersize your jaw and rinse with salt water after each meal. My first real food experience was bread (warmed in a micro to soften it up) and lite spreaded peanut butter. It was heaven.  

Answer 2

Not to be weak with the answers, but everyone is different and I would call your dentist if the oral surgeon isn't available - any dentist you can find! It's always better to play it safe than to be sorry.  

Answer 3

The healing time is different for each person... you can help the swelling by using ice...  I have found that alternating heat and ice usually helps with the pain and swelling.  As for dry socket.. the pain associated with dry socket is usually excruciating.  If you suspect that you have dry socket consult with your dentist / oral surgeon they can medicate the area and probably will perscribe an antibiotic and pain meds.