If you are getting your wisdom teeth extracted, then you are not alone; many people are in the same situation as you or have already undergone it. It’s a common procedure to give you relief, but you may be a bit nervous about the recovery that’s to come. You might be wondering what you can expect after the surgery itself and how long it’ll be until you feel back to normal. Thankfully, this simple guide walks you through the general timeline with tips to help you heal smoothly.
Right After Surgery
Once you’re done with the procedure itself, you’ll likely still be numb or feel groggy from the anesthesia. You may notice some bleeding or swelling, but this is entirely expected.
Your dentist will give you gauze to gently bite on, along with post-op instructions you should follow. These will help you throughout your recovery, but you should just take it easy for now. Get plenty of rest, keep your head elevated, and avoid hot or spicy foods for the time being.
Over the first 24 hours, your body will start to heal itself as well. A blood clot will form to protect the extraction site and keep the area clean while covering exposed nerves.
Healing On Days 2 and 3
During the next 48 to 72 hours, swelling usually starts to reach its peak. You can relieve some discomfort by applying an ice pack to your cheek for short intervals. When it’s time to eat, stick to soft options like mashed potatoes, applesauce, and yogurt. They aren’t hard to chew, so you can give your mouth the break it needs.
It’s crucial you don’t drink from a straw as well. The suction from using one can dislodge the blood clot, leading to a painful condition called dry socket.
The End of the First Week
Typically, you should start to notice swelling and pain lessening by the end of the first week. You may be able to go back to light activities, but no harm in taking it easy if you don’t feel up to it.
Crunchy and spicy foods may still irritate, so continue to avoid them for a bit longer. By rinsing with salt water, you can help keep your mouth clean, but brushing and flossing are still important. Just be sure to avoid the extraction site.
2 to 4 Weeks Afterward
After about two weeks, many people start to feel back to normal. Some tenderness may linger, but the pain should be gone. It can take about a month for your gums to fully heal, and the bone tissue will repair itself over several.
Tips to Aid in Your Recovery
The good news is that by following your dentist’s post-op instructions, it’s rare that you develop any complications. While recovery may be the hardest part to get through, here are some tips you can consider sticking to, along with what your provider says:
- Sleep with your head elevated for the first several days.
- Follow a soft food diet that’s not too hot (temperature- and spice-wise) and nutritious!
- Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
- Don’t smoke, vape, drink alcohol, or rinse your mouth too hard.
- Call your dentist if you have any pain that’s worsening or lingering.
Keep all this in mind after you have your wisdom teeth extraction. It may seem stressful, but knowing what to expect and promoting healing can help you feel your best again in no time.
About the Practice
At Marvel Dental & Orthodontics, you benefit from the compassionate leadership of Dr. Jay Oza and Dr. Hizamar Escobedo. We are happy to help the Burleson community with their troublesome wisdom teeth. By using state-of-the-art technology, we can help make extracting them an easier procedure for you. If you want to know what to expect after having your third molars removed, schedule an appointment or call our office at (817) 933-3883.