I'm getting my wisdom teeth taken out (all four at the same time) How long to recover?!
Question: I'm getting my wisdom teeth taken out (all four at the same time) How long to recover.?
I have to get them all taken out on the 24th of November! 3 days before Thanksgiving!! How long did it take you to recover, and are there any pointers or tips for me going into the surgery.?Health Question & Answer
Answers:
It will only take you a few days to feel better. You may not be able to chow down on hard rolls or lots of turkey on Thanksgiving, but the stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie will be right up your alley!
Some tips:
1. Keep the packing in the sockets as long as you can. This helps a clot form, which means you'll heal faster.
2. If your doc tells you to take an anti-inflammatory (such as Advil, Aleve, etc.) take it on the schedule your doc recommends, such as every 4 hours, not just when you're hurting. The reason: these help with swelling, not just pain, and swelling is what you want to get rid of fast.
3. Ice your cheeks. This also helps with swelling and pain, which equals faster healing. Whatever you use to ice, wrap it in a pillowcase or towel--don't put anything frozen, or plastic, directly on your skin.
If you have some gel packs, those are great. Two good alternatives: One: Put frozen peas into heavy-duty Ziploc bags. When they start to thaw, toss them back in the freezer. Just remember to NOT eat them! Two: This saved me! Fill a bowl with a mixture of half water and half rubbing alcohol. Soak several washcloths or small dishtowels in the mixture, then seal in a heavy-duty Ziploc and freeze. Because the freezing temp of alcohol is lower than water, the washcloths will be at 32 degrees or less but will still be pliable so they can mold to your cheek.
Good luck!Health Question & Answer
Some tips:
1. Keep the packing in the sockets as long as you can. This helps a clot form, which means you'll heal faster.
2. If your doc tells you to take an anti-inflammatory (such as Advil, Aleve, etc.) take it on the schedule your doc recommends, such as every 4 hours, not just when you're hurting. The reason: these help with swelling, not just pain, and swelling is what you want to get rid of fast.
3. Ice your cheeks. This also helps with swelling and pain, which equals faster healing. Whatever you use to ice, wrap it in a pillowcase or towel--don't put anything frozen, or plastic, directly on your skin.
If you have some gel packs, those are great. Two good alternatives: One: Put frozen peas into heavy-duty Ziploc bags. When they start to thaw, toss them back in the freezer. Just remember to NOT eat them! Two: This saved me! Fill a bowl with a mixture of half water and half rubbing alcohol. Soak several washcloths or small dishtowels in the mixture, then seal in a heavy-duty Ziploc and freeze. Because the freezing temp of alcohol is lower than water, the washcloths will be at 32 degrees or less but will still be pliable so they can mold to your cheek.
Good luck!Health Question & Answer
A day or two and you should be fine if you have a good dentist. They will give you a little laughing gas and something to numb the pain and it'll be over before you know it. You'll feel a lot better too if your wisdom teeth are hurting you. Thanksgiving should be good for you - lots of mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, yams, and pumpkin pie. I'd stay away from hard rolls and tough white meat but you'll still be able to enjoy your dinner. Happy Thanksgiving!Health Question & Answer