Impacted wisdom teeth can be quite painful, and if they are not removed they can cause crowding in your mouth or make your teeth shift. While the days following wisdom teeth removal can be uncomfortable, most people make a swift recovery. If you are scheduled to have your wisdom teeth removed in the near future, use the following tips:

Plan on Taking Some Time Off

In the days after you have your wisdom teeth removed you may be sore and your face may be swollen. You may also be taking narcotic pain medication prescribed by your dentist, which can make you groggy and limit your ability to drive. When you schedule your wisdom teeth removal, it is a good idea to plan on taking a few days off work or school while you recover. Many people like to have the surgery done on a Friday morning so they have that day and the weekend to take it easy.

Take Medication as Prescribed

After wisdom teeth removal, you will most likely be prescribed pain medication and antibiotics. It is very important to take these medications as directed by your dentist. The antibiotics will help prevent any infection in the surgical sites, so make sure you finish the whole course. It is also a good idea to stay on top of your pain by taking the pain killers according to directions; it is much better to control the pain throughout the day than wait until it gets bad to take your pain medication.

Eat Soft Foods

In the first few days after wisdom teeth removal, it is usually recommended that you consume food that is soft and easy to consume without a lot of chewing. Things like mashed potatoes, pudding, eggs, soups and broths, and yogurt are all easy to eat after having your wisdom teeth removed. Try to avoid problematic food, such as popcorn or peanuts, as these food items can leave particles behind in the surgical site. Your dentist may recommend that you clean the surgical sites after eating by using a syringe full of water to remove any small food particles that may be left behind after swallowing.

Prevent Dry Sockets

Blood clots form in the surgical sites after surgery, and these blood clots are very important for the healing process. If a blood clot is dislodged and removed, a very painful condition called dry sockets can occur. To protect the surgical sites and prevent dry sockets, refrain from drinking through a straw, spitting excessively, drinking carbonated beverages, or smoking. Contact a dental office that offers wisdom tooth removal for more information.