Wisdom teeth can be a problem for some people because they become impacted or does not grow properly. It is a common issue that affects Australians, and it’s essential that you know what to expect before your treatment so you’re not caught off guard by any unexpected side effects or complications after the surgery.
It can be challenging to know if you’re recovering properly after having surgery or getting an infection since plenty of symptoms could point to either problem. Every person is different, and it’s not uncommon to feel better in a few days. After surgery, you might have some pain or swelling in your jaw, but that should go away quickly. Fortunately, there are many ways to help speed up your recovery process. So, if you are looking for information on how long it will take to recover from wisdom teeth surgery, this blog post is for you.
Content Navigation
- 1 What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
- 2 How Long Does It Take to Recover from Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
- 3 How to Speed up the Recovery Period
- 4 What Can You Do After Surgery?
- 5 What to Avoid after Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery?
- 6 How Long Does the Pain Last after the Removal of Wisdom Teeth
- 7 How to Manage the Pain after Surgery
- 8 Final Thoughts
What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
As you recover from surgery, your mouth will gradually begin to feel more normal. However, discomfort and swelling are to be expected during this time. Excess blood may appear in your spit on the first day after your surgery. You can apply ice packs to your face whenever you desire. In addition, you will be given information on how and when to take prescriptions or over-the-counter painkillers.
It is an outpatient procedure, so after the wisdom teeth surgery, it’s a good idea to have someone else drive you home. You may be required to do so by your dentist, especially if you have undergone general anesthesia since you cannot drive for lengthy periods.
You may consume soft foods a few days after surgery, but avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee, and smoking. Furthermore, you should avoid drinking from a straw since it might cause complications.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
Occasionally, some people may experience pain, bruising and swelling following a wisdom tooth procedure. It will take time to heal, but the recovery would be gradual but should improve over the course of days following the surgery.
In general, healing is divided into stages:
- Blood clots form during the first 24 hours.
- In two to three days, swelling of the face and cheeks should subside.
- An experienced dentist can remove the remaining stitches after seven days.
- Within 7-10 days, you should no longer notice any discomfort or stiffness in your jaw.
- Any minor facial bruising will fade within two weeks.
Recovery time will vary from person to person. Healing time may be much longer if blood clots are dislodged from the surgical wound or the wound becomes infected.
How to Speed up the Recovery Period
Following the extraction of a tooth, blood clots will form in the region where it was removed. Blood clots are an important component of recovery because they:
- Prevent excessive bleeding
- Keep the wound from getting infected
- Promote the growth of new tissue
- Keep the exposed bone protected by keeping it clean.
It’s critical not to displace these blood clots during the first 24 hours. People should avoid the following activities:
- Tooth brushing next to uprooted teeth
- Gargling with water
- Consuming hot beverages, caffeinated drinks, and soft drinks
- Consuming foods that are tough and chewy
- Don't use straws, smoke cigarettes or tobacco, or drink alcohol within 24 hours.
What Can You Do After Surgery?
Patients should follow the recommendations of their dentist or oral surgeon on how to speed up healing. They should be able to provide clear instructions on any medicine that must be taken and what measures to take for the condition to improve.
- Biting on a gauze pad in the extraction area for 30 minutes may be advised.
- After surgery, a dentist or surgeon may advise you to apply an ice pack for the first few hours.
- To reduce discomfort and swelling, apply an ice pack to the exterior of the face over the extraction site for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.
- If a person has just undergone surgery and has received a general anesthetic, they will be unable to drive for about 48 hours. If feasible, it is suggested that you take 1 or 2 days off from work or school after surgery.
- After wisdom tooth surgery, patients may take pain relievers like ibuprofen to assist with discomfort and pain. Ibuprofen can be purchased over-the-counter or online.
What to Avoid after Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery?
It is beneficial to consume liquids or soft foods when wounds are healing. They are better-tolerated post-surgery as they won’t require too much chewing or excessive movement of the jaw area that has just undergone surgery. Your dental professional will usually recommend sticking to a liquid or puree diet for about two weeks after your surgery; if you’re not sure what you can eat, ask your dentist.
Among these foods are:
- Soup
- Gelatin and pudding
- Soft noodles
- Eggs
- Smoothies
- Ice cream
- Yogurt
- Mashed bananas or apple sauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Cottage cheese
To help heal your new dental surgery wounds, avoid foods that need chewing for the first couple of days. Foods like sticky candy, gum, nuts, or seeds may get stuck in surgical sites and cause severe pain and damage to these healing areas of the mouth. Hard and crunchy foods should also be avoided because they will only irritate the soft tissue. Similarly, hot food and spicy food should likewise be avoided as they can lead to irritation and burning of the sensitive gum tissue.
In some cases, chewing on the opposite side of your mouth may be possible 24 hours after surgery if one or two wisdom teeth were removed from that same side. Also, you may begin eating more substantial meals at any time if you’re ready.
It is okay to conduct your normal activity after the oral surgery, but you need to avoid any strenuous activity that could break the stitches or dislodge the blood clot over your wound. These activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Intensive exercise
- Smoking tobacco and cigarettes
- Spitting out
- Sucking heavily from a spoon or drinking from a straw
How Long Does the Pain Last after the Removal of Wisdom Teeth
Many patients dread wisdom teeth extraction. They know from others that the process is painful, and they worry about what kind of recovery they will have to go through. Fortunately, with correct wisdom teeth aftercare and a healthy lifestyle, you can avoid many of the most severe problems. However, it’s crucial to understand how long your recovery period will be so that you can plan for it in advance.
After wisdom teeth are removed, most patients are completely recovered in three to four days. An impacted tooth or one that came in at an odd angle may take a whole week to heal. You can still get an infection weeks after surgery since the wound won’t recover for months. Take care of your health and keep an eye out for any warning signs.
How to Manage the Pain after Surgery
When the pain becomes too intense, it’s vital to find pain relief after the wisdom teeth surgery. Ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications are the most common methods for reducing pain and swelling. Consult your dentist about how often to apply an ice pack to your face. You shouldn’t directly apply ice to your face because ice burn can result. Additionally, they can advise you on whether to take prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
While you heal, you may be advised to take antibiotics. It is to avoid the risk of infection while your mouth is vulnerable to germs. Make sure you finish the prescription as directed by your dentist.
Final Thoughts
Wisdom teeth surgery is a major procedure, and it’s essential to plan for the recovery time. Once the dental treatment has been completed, you will go through the typical healing process that any other type of surgical patient would encounter post-procedure, but some complications may arise as well. You should expect some discomfort and pain after wisdom teeth removal. However, you can reduce these symptoms with proper planning by following your doctor’s instructions on what medications to take and how often they need to be taken. Following all of the guidance from your dentist will help ensure that you have a speedy recovery.
We want you back on track as soon as possible, so we have a few tips for getting through this process with ease. Contact us today at Burwood Dental Care on 03 7003 2011 if you need help with any dental service. Our team of dentists would love to help answer any questions or concerns.