How To Treat Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Cold Compresses

Applying cold compresses to the face can help reduce swelling around impacted wisdom teeth and provide some relief. Gum irritation, cysts, fluid build-up, and other complications are common with impacted wisdom teeth. Cold compresses can also help following wisdom teeth extraction. Expect to experience some tenderness and swelling around the extraction sites, and applying ice can alleviate symptoms.

Less swelling means less discomfort, so invest in some ice packs or make your compresses. You can do this by filing a freezer bag with two cups of water and one cup of rubbing alcohol. Place the bag inside of another to prevent leaking, and freeze for one hour. Wrap it in a towel before applying it to your face to avoid burning your skin.

Consuming Soft Food

Food can get stuck between your impacted wisdom teeth and molars, causing infection. After wisdom teeth extraction, however, your gums will be too sore to handle solid foods. Nutrition is important to the healing process, though, so you maintain as much of a balanced diet as possible. It's best to stick to a diet of soft foods like broth and creamy soups, applesauce, yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed fruit, and ice cream to speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of irritation. Stick to consuming soft food for about a week following your surgery.