Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, and it undeniably sets patients up for a lifetime of fewer oral health issues! That said, if your dentist has informed you that it’s time for those teeth to come out, you might be wondering what the recovery timeline looks like. Here’s more about what you can expect while recovering from wisdom tooth extractions, along with some tips to make things easier.
The Recovery Timeline for Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Recovering from wisdom tooth extractions is a gradual process, and you shouldn’t expect to immediately feel better once the teeth have been removed; however, patients can expect to see improvement with each passing day. It’s worth mentioning that since everyone heals differently after having their wisdom teeth extracted, an accurate window can’t always be provided. That said, here’s a rough timeline of the healing process:
- 24 hours after the procedure – Blood clots form over the surgical wounds, which play a vital role in the healing process.
- 2 – 3 days after surgery – The amount of swelling and inflammation will begin to diminish.
- The first week post-surgery – Facial swelling will continue to decrease, and your dentist will remove any stitches that remain (if necessary). Jaw stiffness should also begin waning.
- 2 weeks after surgery – By this point, any soreness or bruising should be gone. Of course, if you continue to experience any discomfort or persisting issues, don’t hesitate to contact your oral surgeon.
Tips for Ensuring a Smooth & Stress-Free Recovery
Unless you have superpowers that increase your healing capabilities, you cannot will your body to heal more quickly; however, you can limit the number of complications that arise during the healing process, which in turn will ensure a smooth recovery period. One of the best ways you can do this is by protecting the blood clots that form over your surgical sites. Blood clots are an absolutely essential part of the healing process because they prevent infection and excess bleeding while allowing the surrounding tissue to repair itself.
Other things that you can do to remain comfortable and on track to heal properly include:
- Use ice packs/cold compresses to reduce facial swelling as needed.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to assist with pain management.
- Stick to a soft-foods diet at first, slowly reintroducing regular foods back into your diet as you’re able.
- Don’t drink anything through a straw, as the suction can disturb your blood clots.
- Utilize saltwater rinses to reduce swelling and promote healing. You can also use an antiseptic mouth rinse 24 hours post-surgery.
- Avoid poor oral habits like smoking, vaping, or using tobacco.
- Get plenty of rest—your body needs it!
If you’re slated to have your wisdom teeth removed, knowing the specifics of the recovery timeline and following these tips will ensure that things go smoothly, and your smile is set up for a healthy and bright future!
About the Practice
The team at Texas Dental Surgery is thrilled to serve the needs of patients and families in the Prosper, TX community. The practice houses three skilled specialists: Dr. John-Michael Stewart, Dr. Stephen Walker, and Dr. Andrew Arango. They’re pleased to offer a wide range of services including wisdom tooth extractions. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (469) 296-8680.