Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common dental surgeries performed, and for many patients, it sets up a lifetime of fewer oral health issues. That said, if your dentist has informed you that it’s time for those teeth to come out, you might have a few initial concerns about the recovery process. But you have nothing to worry about! Here’s more from your dentist about what you can expect when it’s time to have your wisdom teeth removed, along with some tips to ensure a quick and pain-free recovery.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction is a gradual process, but patients typically see improvement with each passing day. Here’s a rough timeline of the healing process and how your body responds:
- First 24 hours after extraction – Blood clots form over the surgical wounds.
- 2 – 3 days after surgery – Swelling of the mouth and cheeks will begin to diminish.
- 1-week post-surgery – Facial swelling will continue to decrease, and your dentist will remove any stitches that remain. Your jaw stiffness and soreness will also begin waning.
- 2 weeks after surgery – By this point, any soreness should have mostly faded, and mild bruising on the face should be mostly healed up.
It’s important to note that everyone heals differently after wisdom tooth extraction; this is more of a rough timeline rather than an accurate window. Of course, if you experience any additional complications or persisting issues, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact your dentist or oral surgeon.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Speed Up the Healing Process?
Unless you have literal superpowers, there isn’t anything you can do yourself to hasten the healing process; rather, your best option is to limit the number of complications that arise as your mouth heals. One of the best ways that you can do this is by protecting the blood clots that form over your surgical wounds. Blood clots are an essential part of the healing process because they prevent infection and excess bleeding while allowing the surrounding tissue to repair itself. You should avoid disrupting the clots for the first 24 hours after extraction; they play a crucial role in your recovery.
Helpful Tips for Ensuring a Smooth & Pain-Free Recovery
There are many things you can do to remain comfortable during your recovery period:
- Use an ice pack/cold compress for 15 minutes at a time to reduce facial swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed to assist with pain management.
- Stick to a soft-food diet at first, slowly introducing regular foods back into your diet as you’re able. It’s vital that you don’t disrupt your blood clots whenever you eat or drink!
- Rinse your mouth with warm water and salt to reduce swelling and promote healing. You can also use an antiseptic mouth rinse once you’re past the 24-hour mark.
Wisdom tooth extraction is something that many patients must undergo; but it’s also something that many patients are easily able to recover from! If you’re slated to have your wisdom teeth pulled, these tips will help ensure that your recovery is as smooth as can be.
About the Practice
The team at South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is proud to serve the dental needs of the Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and Royal Palm Beach areas. The practice is fortunate to house five incredibly skilled specialists: Dr. Paul Weinstein, Dr. Travis Thompson, Dr. Jeronimo Guzman, Dr. Christopher Chafin, and Dr. Monika Ducharme. Together they combine decades of collective experience to provide an exceptional level of dental care for all their patients. If you have any questions about wisdom tooth extraction or would like to schedule a visit, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online to find an office near you.