Wisdom Tooth Extraction Healing

Healing After Wisdom Tooth Removal – Timeline and Recovery Tips

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common surgical procedure that involves removing one or more wisdom teeth that are causing discomfort or impacting other teeth. The procedure is necessary to prevent pain, infection, and other dental problems that may arise from impacted wisdom teeth. The average time for recovery after having a wisdom tooth removed is about 3-4 days. The wound will take about a couple of weeks to fully heal. To relieve the pain, use a cold compress and take oral pain medication. In the initial days following the extraction, stick to soft foods such as pudding, soup, and yogurt to prevent added pressure on the area, which can lead to further bleeding and slow down the healing process.

How Long is Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

After having a third molar extraction, full recovery may take up to two weeks. Swelling in the lips and cheeks is common but will subside in a few days. Dentists often advise their patients to avoid any physical or strenuous activities for 2-3 days. While healing times may vary, many people can return to work after a couple of days of rest.

Wisdom Tooth Removal Recovery Timeline

  • Days 1-2
The removal of wisdom teeth is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using either general anesthesia or IV anesthesia. It’s important to have someone accompany you home after the surgery. It’s common to experience some mild to moderate nausea and throbbing in the mouth and jaw once the anesthesia wears off. It’s recommended to ask your dentist for pain medication that will last for at least a week. Expect to see some minor bleeding at the extraction site, and in some cases, there may be light bruising outside the mouth and neck. Inflammation and swelling around the cheeks and mouth are normal reactions of the body to the surgery. On the day following the procedure, moderate swelling should be expected. It is advised to stay at home for at least two days after the surgery. It’s best to limit physical activity and avoid any actions that may irritate the surgical area. To ensure proper healing, avoid rinsing your mouth too vigorously, spitting, or using a drinking straw.
  • Days 3-4 
Expect peak swelling during this time. Use pain relievers if you experience throbbing pain. It’s normal to have difficulty opening your mouth fully, but this should improve over time. It’s important to keep the extraction site clean. You can rinse gently with mouthwash or warm salt water to maintain oral hygiene. Take care not to hit the surgical sites when brushing your teeth. During recovery, your mouth will begin to produce collagen, which is a precursor to the new gum tissue. To promote proper healing, refrain from engaging in strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or bending.
  • Days 5-7
Most of the swelling, discoloration, and discomfort should have been reduced. Make sure to complete the full 7-day treatment if antibiotics were prescribed to prevent infection. By this time, you should be feeling ready to resume your normal activities and exercise routine. The stitches used in the surgery will eventually dissolve on their own and you may notice small pieces coming out when you rinse. If you experience a fever, or if you observe continued bleeding, discharge, or signs of pus, it’s important to contact your oral surgeon immediately. Different people will have different healing periods. However, following the safety precautions above should pave way for faster wisdom tooth removal recovery. Dr. Rohan Toor will discuss with you what to expect during your recovery after a wisdom tooth removal. Call us for an appointment at our office in Ventura for dental implant treatment.

Recovery Tips After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Bleeding, pain, discomfort, and swelling are normal after wisdom tooth removal surgery. To aid in the healing process, it is important to avoid spitting, using a straw to drink, and smoking for at least 48 hours after the procedure.

How to Manage Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Limit your physical activity as much as possible for a few hours after the surgery. Avoid unnecessary eating, drinking, and speaking. Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours. Maintain pressure on the area by biting the gauze provided if you are bleeding. Replace the gauze with a new, folded pad every 30 minutes or as necessary. If you run out of gauze, a tea bag can be used as an alternative. Continue biting down on the gauze until the bleeding stops or is minimal. This pressure helps reduce the risk of facial discoloration and aids in the formation of clots.

How to Reduce Swelling After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Using an ice pack on the cheek near the extraction site for 15-20 minutes, with alternating intervals, for a total of one hour can help minimize bruising and swelling. Repeat this process for the next 3 to 4 hours after the surgery.

How to Speed Up Healing After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

24 hours after the bleeding stops, gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to remove food particles and debris from the extraction site and prevent infection. The saltwater should be made by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of lukewarm water. This rinsing is important for promoting healing. Also, it is important that you maintain your food intake. You will probably not be able to chew near the incision. Eat nutritious foods and drink plenty of liquids. As the soreness dissipates you can slowly introduce more chewable foods.

What Are the Foods You Can and Cannot Eat While Recovering from Wisdom Tooth Removal?

It’s recommended to drink plenty of water and consume soft foods like yogurt and applesauce following wisdom tooth removal surgery. Avoid the consumption of alcohol, hot drinks, and carbonated beverages that could irritate the surgical site.

Can I Go to Work the Next Day After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

No. It’s recommended to take some time off work, typically one to two days, following wisdom tooth removal to allow for proper healing. Being active too soon could negatively impact the healing process and the post-operative pain may affect your ability to concentrate on work.

Can I Brush My Teeth with Toothpaste During Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery?

No. There should be no brushing or rinsing of any type for the remainder of the day after surgery. Brushing can be done the day after surgery. Do not spit the toothpaste out for the first five days after surgery. Let the toothpaste drool out of your mouth to get rid of it.

Should I Sleep with Gauze in My Mouth During Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery?

No. It’s not recommended to sleep with gauze in your mouth after wisdom tooth extraction surgery. This poses a risk of choking, especially if you’re taking medications that can cause drowsiness. It’s important to remove the gauze before going to bed. Highly regarded Dr. Rohan Toor and Rohan Toor Dental Care will guide you with the do’s and don’ts after wisdom teeth removal and take care of you through the entire procedure.

What you should know about wisdom teeth removal besides recovery?

Highly regarded Dr. Rohan Toor will guide you with the do’s and don’ts after removing wisdom teeth and take care of you through the entire procedure. We can help you with any questions related to wisdom teeth removal cost without insurance or with it. Call Rohan S. Toor, DDS today to schedule an appointment with our esteemed wisdom teeth removal surgeon who can suggest best for you.

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