If your wisdom teeth have been causing you trouble, then you may be excited to finally have them removed. You will get relief from the discomfort they are likely causing. While you might be nervous about the procedure itself, you should know what to expect when recovering afterward. Here’s what you need to know about the days and weeks following, plus tips to make sure it goes without a hitch.
Right After Your Procedure
Immediately after your treatment, you might not feel much of anything. You’ll still be numb from the local anesthesia and groggy from the conscious sedation. Your dentist will give you gauze to bite on gently and detailed post-op instructions. These will help you heal afterward, but for now, just take it easy.
You should get plenty of rest, keep your head elevated, and steer clear of hot and spicy foods. Some bleeding and swelling are expected, but your body will start to heal itself and form a blood clot in the extraction site, which keeps it clean and covers any exposed nerves.
Two to Three Days After
Swelling might reach its peak at this point, but you can apply an ice pack for 15-minute intervals to give yourself some relief from it. Stick to eating soft foods, like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and applesauce, as they can give your mouth the break it needs. It’s important you don’t use a straw as the sucking motion can pull at the blood clot and cause dry socket, which can be a painful condition.
By the End of the First Week
Any swelling and discomfort should lessen by the end of the first week, and you might be cleared to do light activities. But there’s no shame in taking it easy! Crunchy and spicy foods can still irritate your mouth, so it’s best to avoid them. Make sure you are brushing and flossing, just be gentle and don’t do it on the extraction site. Rinse with salt water, and you can wash away debris and bacteria.
Two to Four Weeks Later
Many patients start to feel back to normal after two weeks. You may have slight tenderness, but the pain itself should be gone. It can take about a month for your gums to fully heal from this procedure, and the bone tissue will continue to repair itself over the next several months.
How Can You Ensure Smooth Healing?
During your recovery, follow your dentist’s post-op instructions. They will help you avoid complications, so stick to them to a T! To help give you an idea, these are some that you might need to follow:
- Sleep with an extra pillow to elevate your head.
- Stick to a soft food diet that’s nutritious.
- Take over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers as directed.
- Don’t drink alcohol, vape, smoke, or rinse too hard.
- Call your provider if your discomfort is lingering and getting worse.
Keep these tips in mind, and you may have a smooth recovery after your wisdom teeth extraction. That way, you can feel your best as soon as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Deval Parmar earned her dental degree from the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. She has over 13 years of experience that she uses to give the McKinney community the high-quality care they deserve. Dr. Parmar is happy to help you remove your wisdom teeth. By offering same-day urgent visits and conscious sedation, you can get the relief you need right away. If you’re worried about having your third molars removed, schedule an appointment or call her office at (972) 972-4646.