When you undergo wisdom teeth removal, you need to take some time to recover. But how long will the healing take?
The extraction process affects everyone differently, and the complexity of your procedure may impact your recovery period. However, you can take steps to encourage faster healing.
Trust the professional team at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to take the time to answer your questions and explain everything you need to know.
Healing Timeline for Wisdom Teeth Removal
The day of your procedure, you can expect some discomfort. Ice packs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be enough to keep the pain in check, but contact your oral surgeon if this isn’t the case.
Swelling in the mouth and cheeks is common, and you may experience a bit of bleeding and bruising. These symptoms don’t typically last long, but some patients have chipmunk cheeks and swollen faces for a few days.
You should feel better soon, as most patients only need three to five days to recover. You may have slight discomfort for seven to 10 days, and complete healing may take a few weeks. If your extraction procedure is complex, the recovery period may be longer.
Speeding Up the Recovery Process
Though you will need some downtime after getting your wisdom teeth pulled, taking the right precautions can help you get back on your feet faster. For speedy healing, oral surgeons recommend the following:
- Get plenty of rest and keep your head elevated.
- Take your pain medication as directed.
- Use ice packs for the first 48 hours, then switch to warm packs.
- After 24 hours have passed, rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day.
- Consume only liquids and soft foods for at least a couple of days.
What to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal
When you get your wisdom teeth pulled, blood clots will form at the extraction sites to protect the exposed bone and tissue. If the clots become dislodged, you may experience a painful complication called dry socket. You can greatly reduce the risk of this happening if you:
- Don’t brush near the extraction sites.
- Don’t eat any foods that are sticky, crunchy or chewy.
- Don’t drink any beverages through a straw.
- Don’t spit or vigorously swish liquids in your mouth.
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
Make sure to follow all your oral surgeon’s aftercare instructions as well. You may be advised to take additional steps during recovery, based upon the specifics of your wisdom teeth removal procedure. By listening to your oral surgeon, you will give yourself the best possible chance for speedy healing.
Do you need to get your wisdom teeth pulled? For expert care in the greater east central Indiana area, turn to the professional team at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Our highly experienced oral surgeons, Dr. Partridge and Dr. Alderman, specialize in tooth extraction, and we aim to give every patient a positive experience. Contact Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and schedule a wisdom teeth removal consultation today.