Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery
What is the recovery time after wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom teeth extraction surgery is a relatively standard procedure for most adults. But even though it’s a routine procedure for your oral surgeon, it won’t feel routine for you. Here are some things you need to know about wisdom tooth extraction and what you can do to speed up healing after wisdom teeth extraction.
The Day of Your Surgery
Wisdom tooth surgery is performed under either local or general anesthesia. If done in your oral surgeon’s rooms you may be given nitrous oxide (laughing gas), local anaesthetic and/or iv sedation.
If you’ve received a general anesthetic, you’ll will go to a private day surgery. Whilst the actual operation is quick, the whole procedure from admission to going home can take half a day.
Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will discuss what type of anesthesia they’ll use, so you know what to expect.
After your surgery, you’ll be sent home with instructions on how to take your prescribed medication and what to do during home care. Pain, swelling, and blood in your mouth are normal at this stage. You can apply an ice pack to your face to help reduce the swelling, discomfort, and pain.
Most oral surgeons will tell you only to eat soft foods during the first few days to prevent the blood clot from dislodging. The blood clot that forms over your socket will protect your jaw bone and nerves during the healing process. This blood clot is delicate for the first 24 hours after surgery. Loss of thes clot can lead to a condition known as dry socket, which causes severe pain and can lead to complications.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The time from getting your wisdom teeth removed to recovery will depend on you. People heal at different rates, and while one person may be walking around a day after they had their teeth removed, another may be out for several days.
Most people start feeling better about three days after the surgery, but you may still have swelling and pain for several weeks after the surgery.
Working and Driving
It’s a good idea to take a day or two off after surgery as you recover from the anesthetic. If you received a sedative, you should wait for at least 24 hours before driving, and at least 48 hours after receiving a general anaesthetic.
Home Care Advice
Your oral surgeon should provide you with wisdom tooth removal recovery time tips. Taking care of your mouth will speed up healing and prevent infections from taking hold.
The most common advice you’ll hear is:
- Not to brush your teeth or floss or use mouthwash for at least a day after the procedure.
- Use salt water to gently rinse your mouth as long as you don’t vigorously rinse or spit the water out.
- Avoid drinking from a straw, as this can dislodge the clot that’s protecting the wound in the tooth socket.Eat soft cool foods for the first day, and soft foods for the first week after your surgery.
If you notice severe pain, including in your jaw, jawbone, eyes, ears, and throat, or excessive bleeding days after your operation, get in touch with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon. . While some soreness is normal, it should start to subside soon after. Rising pain can indicate potential complications and possible infection.
How to Speed Up Healing
The best way to speed up healing is to ensure that the blood clot that protects the wound remains in place. You can do so by avoiding hot drinks, vigorous rinsing, smoking, using a straw, and brushing near the extraction site for at least the first couple of days.
To prevent infections, you need to exercise good oral hygiene during the recovery process. Also, try and eat healthy, soft foods that are nutritious. Your body needs a lot of fuel to recover and heal from wisdom teeth extraction, so try to eat plenty of liquids, soft vegetables, soft eggs, smoothies, yogurts, soups, and other approved foods.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your oral surgeon.
