The day has come: it’s time to get your wisdom teeth removed. Although this procedure is now so common as to be routine, it still comes with plenty of questions. Here are five answers to your most frequently asked questions about wisdom tooth extraction recovery.
How long does it take to recover from a wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom tooth extraction is primarily performed because the third molars (your wisdom teeth) are not necessary. Further, these “extra” teeth can come in at an angle, causing shifts and overcrowding in your mouth that can lead to other dental issues.
Wisdom teeth can be removed in two ways:
- Simple extraction: The teeth are coming in straight and can easily be removed with a gentle rocking motion and dental pliers.
- Surgical extraction: The wisdom teeth are strongly attached to the jawbone and/or are coming in at such an angle that they cannot be wiggled out. If wisdom teeth are decayed or damaged, a surgical extraction may be necessary.
Wisdom tooth extraction recovery time depends on which method of extraction occurred. In general, recovery time is longer for surgical removal, but there are some milestones that each procedure shares.
Day of extraction
The first 24 hours, it’s important to rest and take it easy. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics. Take both as directed.
Apply gauze and gentle pressure to the extraction site to stop bleeding for at least an hour after the extraction (more if bleeding is heavy). You can also use a cold tea bag (black tea) to stop bleeding.
Stay hydrated with small sips of water as you rest, and use cold compresses on your jaw to ease pain and swelling.
Days following extraction
The day after your extraction (the next 24 hours), take stock of how you are feeling before starting your day. Continue with pain medications (prescription or over-the-counter) as directed.
Your extraction site should have a protective clot forming, and you can very gently swish with salt water to clean it. Brush the teeth surrounding the extraction site, and floss as normal, but take your time, and stay away from the clot. Avoid any sucking motions or smoking.
For both simple and surgical extraction, preserving your clot is crucial. This clot protects the open extraction site from bacteria and infection. If it dislodges, it can expose the nerves. This can lead to an excruciating condition called dry sockets (and nobody wants to experience that!).
As the week progresses, you can gradually return to your normal levels of activity. Be gentle in your oral hygiene, and visit your dentist for your scheduled follow-up to make sure healing is progressing as it should.
How long does pain after wisdom tooth extraction last?
The simple answer to this complicated question is this: it depends.
For a simple wisdom tooth extraction, the pain will generally last anywhere from one to three days, varying in intensity from patient to patient.
Surgical wisdom teeth extraction is more complicated and may result in pain that lingers a bit longer, up to a week or two.
This pain should not be so intense that it cannot be managed with over-the-counter medications after the first 24 hours. Most patients experience a dull ache rather than a sharp pain. Those with a surgical extraction may experience a spike in pain around the five-day mark that recedes gradually.
Taking good care of the clot and being gentle in your recovery can help minimize pain, regardless of the type of extraction. In general, and depending on your overall health and care during your wisdom tooth extraction recovery, your site should be fully healed in about 30 days.
What can I eat after a wisdom tooth extraction?
Eating after wisdom tooth extraction is a cautious business. In general, stick to foods that are soft but nourishing (no 100% ice cream diets!). These can include:
- Tofu
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt
- Very soft pasta
- Soups
- Oatmeal
- Polenta/grits
- Pancakes
- Risotto
- Soft fruits and steamed vegetables
Ice cream is okay, but only in moderation and when balanced by healthier options.
Avoid spicy foods, or foods that are very hot in temperature. You also want to stay away from sticky, salty, highly seasoned, crunchy, or hard foods, as they can irritate the surgical site or dislodge the clot. Always avoid using straws or smoking as this can dislodge the clot.
How do I sleep after wisdom tooth extraction?
Sleeping after wisdom tooth extraction can be challenging, especially if you are experiencing pain or soreness in the first 24 hours. Keeping your head elevated at a 45-degree angle reduces blood flow to the extraction site and prevents pooling. You may also find that a slight elevation reduces the throbbing sensation that can sometimes occur.
If you are feeling sore, a cold pack on the outside of the face before bed can also be soothing.
What can you not do after wisdom teeth removal?
Even though wisdom teeth removal is a routine procedures, there are a few restrictions in the days (and weeks) following your extraction.
- Avoid chewing for the first 48 hours: A liquid or puréed diet protects the clot
- Limit physically challenging activity: Gradually ease back into exercise over a period of several weeks
- Do not smoke: Suction can dislodge the clot, and smoking in general slows healing
- Avoid straws: Again, suction from straws can dislodge the clot
- Do not brush teeth vigorously: Oral hygiene is important, but be gentle as you heal
Make sure to follow up with your dentist at your regularly scheduled appointment.
When do I contact my dentist?
Wisdom teeth removal complications are rare but can occur. Look for the following signs:
- Fever
- Increased pain
- Pain that is unrelieved by pain medications
- Swelling
- Discharge or bleeding at the extraction site
- A general feeling of being unwell
- Radiating pain
All of the above are signs of infection or complications. If you experience any of these, or just feel like something isn’t quite right, contact your dentist immediately for a checkup.
In the Phoenix area, your family dentist is AZ Dentist. We are here to answer all of your questions about wisdom tooth extraction recovery (even on the weekends!). Get in touch today!
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