Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery

Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure at our clinic. It may be recommended if there isn’t enough room for the teeth to grow in normally. When left untreated, wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection, making removal an important step in protecting your oral health.

At Sierra Dental, our surgical team is led by our in-house oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Choo-Soon Kua, DDS, FRCDC. He is trained in advanced wisdom tooth surgery, making complex procedures more manageable.

Here’s what you need to know about the recovery process.

Recovery Timeline

Every patient heals differently, but most people can expect their recovery to follow a general pattern.

First 24 – 48 Hours

In the first 2 hours after surgery, it is normal to experience swelling, bleeding, and discomfort. You may find it difficult to open and close the mouth. During this period, a blood clot will form over the wound. Keep this intact as it will help speed up your recovery and avoid a dry socket.

Do’s:

• Rest.
• Take the prescribed medications.
• Apply an ice pack on the swollen face to reduce swelling.
• Keep the head elevated while resting.
• Bite on a gauze to control any bleeding.

Don’ts:

• Avoid aggressive spitting, drinking through a straw, or smoking as this can disturb the blood clot.
• Do not use an alcohol-based mouthwash.
• Avoid brushing the surgery area.

After 3 – 7 Days

Swelling usually peaks around day three or four, then gradually improves. After the first week, you should feel significant improvement in pain levels. You may be able to return to your normal routine, but strenuous activities should still be avoided.

You may be asked to return after seven days to remove any remaining stitches and to monitor your progress.

Do’s:

• Stick to a soft diet that includes yogurts, soups, and steamed vegetables.
• Rinse the mouth using warm saltwater to remove debris and bacteria stuck in the wound.
• Visit your dentist if you are still experiencing persistent symptoms.

Don’ts:

Avoid eating hard, crunchy, and spicy foods.

After 2 Weeks

Your stitches should have already dissolved or been removed. Any residual pain or swelling should be very minimal. While gentle care is still recommended, most of our patients are able to return to their usual routine.

Do’s:

• Gradually introduce solid foods into your diet.
• Continue using warm saltwater rinses.
• Gently brush your teeth and the surgical area to keep it clean.

After 1 Month

At this stage, you should be almost healed. The wound may still be open, but any symptoms should be resolved. It is still essential to attend any scheduled follow-up appointments and routine dental visits to ensure complete healing.

Do’s:

• Visit your dentist for a check-up.
• Return to normal brushing and flossing.
• Practice proper oral hygiene.

Managing Pain and Discomfort

Pain management is our top-priority during your recovery process. Here are a few tips to help minimize any discomfort:

• Medications – Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with pain management and swelling. If necessary, antibiotics can also be prescribed to reduce complications after surgery.
• Mouth rinses – Warm saltwater rinses can be used twice a day to reduce bacteria and promote better healing.
• Cold and warm compresses – Ice packs are especially helpful within the first 48 hours to reduce any swelling, then warm compress can be applied after to relieve stiffness.

Oral Hygiene Tips During Recovery

Aside from helping you manage pain, Sierra Dental also emphasizes the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene while you heal. This will control bacteria and prevent infection and other complications for a smooth recovery.

• Brushing – Be gentle when brushing your teeth, especially near the wound. Avoid the area for the first few days to avoid dislodging the clot.
• Rinsing – A warm saltwater rinse is recommended to keep the area clean. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes as this can irritate your gums.
• Flossing – Keep flossing between the teeth to remove food debris, but be careful around the wound.

Potential Complications After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Following the post-surgery instructions from our dentist helps speed up your recovery by eliminating possible complications. Otherwise, you may encounter consequences, such as:

• Dry Socket – This is a painful infection that occurs when the blood clot over the wound dislodges, exposing the bone and nerves in the surgery area.
• Infection – Facial and jaw swelling can occur with poor oral hygiene. This may require antibiotics and further care to address the problem.
• Prolonged Bleeding – Aggressive spitting and brushing, smoking, and strenuous exercises may cause persistent bleeding that can impede your recovery.

We offer continuous care for patients who underwent wisdom tooth surgery.

If you need urgent assistance, contact our team at (403) 297-9600. We are ready to deliver immediate and effective treatment to get you on the right track to a smoother, faster recovery.