Wisdom teeth are the final molars to come in during the late teens or early twenties. For some people, these teeth come in without any problems. However, some people’s wisdom teeth become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause various issues, including pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth.
As a result, it is often necessary to have wisdom teeth removed. Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common dental surgeries, and recovery is typically quick and free of complications.
What to Expect From the Oral Surgery
Wisdom teeth surgery is a common procedure performed by an oral surgeon to remove one or more of the third molars. It is an outpatient surgery, so you can go home the same day. However, you will likely be put under general anesthesia using IV sedation. You should have someone available to take you home after the surgery, as sedation will be used during the procedure.
The Timeline of Recovery From Wisdom Tooth Surgery
The First Twenty-four Hours Following Wisdom Teeth Removal
Rest: It’s important to rest after surgery. Avoid physical activity and strenuous exercise for just a few days. It would be best to stay home from work or school for recovery.
Control the bleeding: You may experience some bleeding during the first few hours after surgery. To control the bleeding, bite on a gauze pad for 30 minutes.
Manage swelling: Swelling is normal after surgery. To reduce swelling, you can apply ice packs to your face. You can use an ice pack for up to 20 minutes at a time.
Pain relief: When the anesthesia wears off, you may have some pain and discomfort. Taking pain medication such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain. Your doctor may also prescribe some medication, which can be taken as directed. Let us know if you experience any severe pain.
Protect the Blood Clot: Take care not to dislodge the blood clots that form at the surgery site. Dislodging blood clots can lead to a painful condition known as dry socket. Follow your post-operation instructions carefully to reduce your risks of dry socket.
1-3 Days After Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
You will be restricted to liquid foods during the first 24 hours. Most patients report that pain peaks and then gradually decreases during the first few days after surgery. You can introduce soft foods such as mashed potatoes, soft noodles, or apple sauce and slowly add more solid foods as you feel better. You should avoid crunchy foods, hot drinks, chewing gum, and drinking alcohol to encourage healing.
Be sure to pay attention to your oral hygiene to prevent infection. To keep the wound clean, you can gently rinse the extraction site with warm water mixed with some salt. Be careful not to dislodge any blood clots. You can brush your other teeth the day after surgery but avoid contact with the surgery site.
1-2 Weeks Into Removal Recovery
Most patients feel very few symptoms beyond a week into the healing process. If you have any remaining stitches, you will have them removed about seven days after the extraction. After approximately two weeks, you should feel completely healed aside from some occasional sensitivity around the surgical site.
If you think you may need your wisdom teeth removed or have already had them removed and have questions, please call Tolley Dental. We will be happy to schedule a consultation and answer any of your questions to help you feel comfortable throughout the wisdom tooth removal process.