Recovery from wisdom tooth removal is a different story for everyone. Some may take just a few days, while others can take up to a week. This is largely due to factors such as age, existing conditions, difficulty of the surgery, and the recovery set-up after.
If you are going to have your wisdom teeth removed soon, this short read can help you understand the recovery period and what you can do to help accelerate your healing.
Why are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
There are many reasons why wisdom teeth are removed. The most common one being impaction. An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when there is not enough space in the mouth, so some or all parts of the tooth remain embedded in the bone.
Left untreated, an impacted wisdom tooth can cause problems such as crowding, tooth decay, infection, and gum swelling. To prevent these problems, it is best to have your dentist assess your wisdom teeth to determine if getting them out is ideal.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Timeline
After your wisdom tooth removal, you should be able to get back to your normal routine after just a few days. However, it will take up to 2 weeks (or more) for the wound to completely heal. As you recover, keep your dentist’s post-surgical instructions in mind to facilitate speedy healing and prevent complications.
To give you a general idea, here’s a quick overview of the healing and recovery timeline.
Immediate Post-surgery (First 24 Hours)
Right after surgery, your dentist will pack a gauze pad over the wound to absorb blood. Keep biting on the pad for at least an hour to control bleeding. Swap these a few times if they become soaked with blood.
Pain, discomfort, and swelling are some usual symptoms that you may experience. Manage these by taking the prescribed pain meds and using an ice pack that is applied directly where there is cheek swelling. Rest is also important during healing. Restrict heavy activities and allow your body to recover. Partake a liquid and soft diet to prevent trauma to the wound.
Early Recovery (After 1 – 3 Days)
A few days after your surgery, you should already be able to get back to your daily routine. You can also start transitioning to semi-solid foods such as scrambled eggs, mashed fruits and vegetables, applesauce, jello, and steamed vegetables.
However, post-extraction pain and discomfort may still be present. This will subside as the days go by. As you heal, a blood clot will form over the wound. Avoid touching this area to prevent removing the clot. Instead, swish warm salt water or an antibacterial mouthwash to remove bacteria and debris.
Mid-Recovery (After 4 – 7 Days)
After a few days, the clot should slowly begin to fuse with your gums. Eventually, this will cover the hole where the tooth was removed. Practice good oral hygiene habits to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and food debris. Brush your teeth twice a day and use a floss to clean between your teeth.
Jaw stiffness, cheek swelling, bleeding, and soreness should have resolved. If you are still experiencing these, contact your dentist so they can assess and guide you on what to do. Your stitches should also dissolve. If there are any left, you can visit your dentist and have them removed. Then, they can also check on your healing progress. But, generally, you can already resume your regular activities.
Late Recovery (After 2 – 4 Weeks)
Any bruising, pain, and discomfort should already heal. The wound should also be covered and healed. The gums may be a bit sensitive or tender to the touch, but it should not interfere with your daily life. You can also go back to eating your favourite foods, but remember to brush and floss properly to prevent the build-up of food particles.
It will still take a bit longer for the underlying extraction site to fully heal. Your bone will naturally regrow and new bone tissue will gradually fill the extraction hole. This process will continue without special interventions or further treatment.
Factors Influencing Recovery Time
Recovery from wisdom tooth surgery varies by individual. Some can get back to their usual routine in just two days, while others can take longer than that. Several factors can affect this recovery period. This includes:
Age
Younger patients tend to have faster recovery because of more robust healing and regeneration. Their gums and bones will grow faster, helping with easier recovery time. Early wisdom tooth removal, around the age of 15 – 22, also requires minimal healing time because the wisdom tooth is not fully formed yet and the jawbone is less dense, making it easier to extract.
Pre-existing Medical and Dental Conditions
Patients suffering from conditions such as diabetes and poor nutrition are factors that can impede wound healing. This means that it will take longer for the surgery site to close. Such is also the case for poor oral hygiene and generalized gum disease where there are high bacteria levels in the mouth that can prolong healing.
Difficulty of Surgery
Harder surgeries take a longer treatment time and this can directly influence recovery. The deeper the tooth is in the jawbone, the more extensive the surgery is. This will account for a longer healing period.
Post-surgical Care
Lastly, following your dentist’s advice after getting surgery done also affects healing. Doing otherwise can impede your progress and cause complications such as severe pain, dry socket, and swelling.
Tips for Recovery
- Healing improvements will occur gradually day by day, especially with good aftercare. Some tips that you can keep in mind for post-surgical care are:
- Rest as much as you can. Avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
- Keep a good hygiene routine that includes proper brushing and flossing.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to eliminate bacteria in the open wound that may cause infection.
- Eat the recommended dietary requirements and maintain a healthy and balanced diet. This will include foods rich in vitamins and minerals, especially protein which is known to help with wound healing.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least a week following your surgery.
Key Takeaways – Wisdom Teeth Removal
Not all wisdom teeth have to be removed. However, dentists often recommend it preventively to avoid future problems such as decay and infection.
If you are wondering if you need to have wisdom tooth surgery, our team at Sierra Dental can help you make the best decision. And once removed, we are here to guide you on your route to a smooth and easy recovery.