Wisdom teeth extraction is a common dental procedure; however, the recovery process will vary from person to person. A proper understanding of the recovery timeline will help in planning and effectively organizing post-surgery care.
Recovery commonly involves the management of swelling, pain, and temporary lifestyle changes that assure smooth healing.
Let’s see what to expect day by day, how long it usually takes to recover, and tips that would help in making this journey as smooth as possible. Most people bounce back very fast with the right care. We at Enhance Dental Centre are here to help you along the way.
Average Recovery Time After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Recovery after wisdom teeth removal usually takes 7 to 10 days, though it can take several weeks and even months for full recovery. There are different factors that determine your recovery time such as the difficulty of the extraction, your general health condition, following post-operative care instructions, etc.
During the first 24-48 hours, you will experience some discomfort, swelling, and slight bleeding, which usually subside with time. Everyone heals differently; therefore, communication with your dental clinic is key for individualized advice.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Timeline
Recovery from wisdom tooth surgery is gradual, but people should see some improvement every day.
Recovery- Day 1
Wisdom teeth extraction is a quick outpatient surgery that lasts about 1 hour. The oral surgeon will give you local or general anesthesia before starting. After the surgery, you will slowly feel your mouth again as the anesthesia wears off.
Common symptoms include: swelling, pain, blood in your mouth, mild bruising on your cheeks, difficulty opening your mouth (trismus), a strange taste, and numbness or tingling in your mouth or face. It’s important to have someone drive you home afterward. If you have severe pain or heavy bleeding, contact your oral surgeon right away.
Recovery- Days 2-4
In the next few days, swelling, pain, and bruising may get worse. It’s best to take 1-2 days off work or school to rest. Your symptoms will eventually level off and then start to improve. Once they are manageable, you can return to your normal activities.
If you notice increased pain, bleeding, or oozing from the extraction site, contact your oral surgeon or a healthcare professional immediately.
Recovery- Days 5-14
About a week after the surgery, most people are almost fully recovered. You may notice: very little swelling, bruising, or pain, near-normal jaw movement, no more tingling, bleeding, or bad taste, and a gradual return to physical activities.
If your wisdom teeth were impacted or if there were complications during surgery, it may take up to 2 weeks to fully recover.
Key Factors Influencing Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Time
Age: Younger patients usually heal faster after wisdom teeth removal. Their bones are less dense, which helps them recover quickly and with fewer complications.
Overall Health: A person’s overall health affects recovery. Those with strong immune systems tend to heal faster.
Aftercare: Following the dentist’s aftercare instructions is crucial for recovery. This includes maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding strenuous activities, and sticking to the recommended diet.
Individual Healing Response: Everyone heals at their own pace. Some recover quickly, while others may take longer due to factors like genetics and health.
Complexity of the Extraction: The difficulty of the extraction can influence recovery time. If the wisdom teeth are fully erupted and in the right position, the procedure is simple. However, if the teeth are impacted or misaligned, the extraction becomes more complicated, leading to a longer recovery.
Postoperative Infection: An infection after surgery can delay healing. It’s essential to follow aftercare instructions to reduce the risk of infection.
Medications: Certain medications, like painkillers and antibiotics, can impact healing. It’s important to take all prescribed medications as directed by the dentist.
How to Speed Up Healing?
Wisdom teeth recovery may not be easy; however, with good care, you are going to recover sooner and with much less discomfort. The following are some simple tips that help in faster recovery:
Rest and Hydrate
Rest is key after surgery. Do not go for heavy exercises for days. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Avoid using a straw as it may dislodge the clot from the extracted site.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene prevents infection and helps to heal the wound. For the first 24 hours, avoid brushing teeth adjacent to the extraction site. After that, gently brush the neighboring teeth. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to keep the area clean.
Follow Aftercare Instructions
Your oral surgeon gives you certain aftercare instructions. These instructions would relate to diet, oral hygiene, and activities. It is vital to follow such instructions if you want to have a smooth recovery.
Take Prescribed Medications
Your dentist will prescribe painkillers and probably antibiotics. Use these as directed. If there is severe pain or swelling, then you must call your dental clinic right away since this could be a complication.
Eat Soft Foods
In the initial days immediately following surgery, you should only consume soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies. Hot drinks, spicy or acidic food, or anything that can crunch and hurt the area should be avoided.
Use Cold and Warm Compresses
In the first 24 hours, it is better to apply a cold compress on the area. This reduces swelling and anesthetizes the pain. Apply a cold pack or frozen peas wrapped in a cloth on the specific area for 15-20 minutes and then have a break of 15 minutes.
Then after two days, you can apply a warm compress on the particular area for about 20 minutes, resting for 40 minutes in between. It will reduce some swelling and will also aid in the healing process.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
These will delay the recovery process and lead to further complications. It is best to avoid these for at least a week after surgery.
Conclusion
Recovery after wisdom tooth extraction does take some time, but most people can manage to feel better within a few weeks with proper care and patience. Follow-up care from your dentist, good oral hygiene, and staying away from activities that can disturb the healing process make recovery smooth. Although it varies, being informed of the timeline for recovery and potential complications will help you know when additional care may be necessary.
At Enhance Dental Centre, we try to make your recovery as comfortable as possible. If you have any concerns or develop unusual symptoms at any time during your recovery, contact us. Book an appointment today or take the time to contact our office to book a follow-up and keep your healthy smile pain-free.
FAQs
1. How long does it take for wisdom teeth holes to close?
During surgical extractions, tissues and bone are cut below the gum line. After the surgery, your tooth socket may close almost completely within 6 weeks. It may take a few more months for the area to fill in and heal completely after the extraction. If the tooth extracted was large enough, or too close to the adjacent teeth you may require a bone graft in order to keep your bone structure strong
2. When is a dry socket no longer a risk?
Most patients who have a tooth pulled heal in seven to ten days. After the wound heals, the blood clot is no longer needed to protect the tissue, and the risk of a dry socket disappears.
3. What are the worst days of pain after wisdom tooth extraction?
Many people feel a lot of pain after getting their wisdom teeth removed and the initial anesthesia has worn out. This pain can make it hard for them to eat and drink. It usually hurts the most in the first 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. It’s important to manage the pain right away and not let it get to a point where you require stronger pain medication. Over the counter pain medication as prescribed by your dentist should be utilized before the pain gets too hard to manage.
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