Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that many adults experience at some point in their lives. The wisdom teeth, or the third molars, are located at the back of the mouth. They emerge later in life, usually when the jaw is already fully developed. Because of this, the wisdom teeth are left with little to no space for proper alignment. This results in problems such as pain, infection, or other dental problems, making removal necessary.
Whether you are experiencing discomfort on your wisdom tooth area or already preparing for your surgery, this comprehensive guide can help you understand the recovery process. This part of your treatment is just as important as the surgery itself as it ensures smooth healing with little to no complications.
Recovery Timeline
We will walk you through the stages of recovery after wisdom teeth removal to give you an idea what it should be like as you heal. We also listed some practical tips on certain timestamps after surgery to help manage pain and ensure proper healing.
First 24 – 48 Hours
Within the first few hours immediately after surgery, it is normal to experience some swelling, bleeding, and discomfort. You may also find it difficult to open and close the mouth. During this period, a blood clot will form over the surgical area. Keep this intact as this will help speed up your recovery.
Do’s
- Rest.
- Take your medications, pain relievers and antibiotics, as prescribed
- Apply an ice pack on the face to reduce swelling
- Keep the head elevated while resting
- Bite on a gauze to control bleeding
Don’ts
- Avoid spitting, drinking through a straw, or smoking as this can disturb the blood clot
- Do not use alcohol-based mouthwash
- Avoid brushing the surgery area
After 3 – 7 Days
The swelling and discomfort should start to subside after a few days, but the bruising may become more visible. After the first week, you should already see significant improvement in pain levels. You may be able to return to your normal routine, but strenuous activities should still be avoided.
Your dentist may ask you to return to the office after 7 days so they can remove the remaining stitches and to monitor your healing progress.
Do’s
- Stick to a soft diet such as yogurts, soups, 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 (pain, bleeding)
Don’ts
- Avoid eating hard, crunchy, and spicy foods
After 2 Weeks
Your stitches should have already dissolved or removed. Any residual pain or swelling should be very minimal. While gentle care is still needed, you should already be able to return to your usual daily life.
Do’s
- Gradually introduce solid foods into your diet
- Continue using saltwater rinses
- Gently brush your teeth and the surgical area carefully to keep it clean
After 1 Month
At this stage, you should already be almost healed. However, it is still essential to attend to any scheduled follow-up appointments and routine dental visits to ensure proper healing.
Do’s
- Visit your dentist for a check-up
- Return to normal brushing and flossing
- Practice proper oral hygiene care
Managing Pain and Discomfort
Pain management is of top-priority during your recovery. Here are some tips that can help minimize discomfort as you go through your healing process:
- Medications – Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with pain management and inflammation. 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 healing.
- Cold and warm compresses – Ice packs are helpful within the first 48 hours to reduce the swelling, while warm compress can be applied after to relieve stiffness.
Oral Hygiene Tips During Recovery
Good oral hygiene is essential during the healing process. This will help control bacteria and prevent infection, ensuring a quick and easy recovery.
- Brushing – Be gentle when brushing your teeth, especially near the extraction site. Avoid the surgical area for the first few days to avoid dislodging the clot over the wound.
- 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 cautious around the wound.
Potential Complications After Wisdom Teeth Removal
These tips are helpful during your recovery because they speed up your recovery by eliminating possible causes of complications. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in several consequences to the oral health, including:
- Dry Socket – this is a painful infection that occurs when the blood clot over the extraction site becomes dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves in the surgery area.
- Infection – Facial and jaw swelling can occur with poor oral hygiene after surgery. 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.
Conclusion
Recovering from wisdom teeth removal can be a straightforward process, but it is not as simple as recovery from simple tooth extraction. Because of the more complicated surgical process, added care is crucial to ensure healthy recovery and to avoid complications. Remember to manage pain with medications, maintain good oral hygiene, and follow the recovery tips we have outlined.
At Springbank Hill Dental, our skilled team of oral surgeons and experienced dental staff are dedicated to ensuring your surgical treatment and recovery goes as smoothly as possible. With years of experience in wisdom tooth extractions, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you think you may need your wisdom tooth removed, book a consultation with us today!