What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery

Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common dental surgeries dentists perform. After all, millions of Americans get their wisdom teeth removed every year, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. So, if your dentist recommends you get your wisdom teeth removed, don’t panic. Many other people just like you have had them removed.

But you’re probably wondering just how long the recovery will take, and what you’ll experience in the hours, days, and weeks following their removal?

How Long Will It Take to Recover from Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery

The recovery process after getting your “teeth pulled” varies for everyone, but in general, you can likely expect your recovery time to happen within two weeks, with gradual improvement every day. The wisdom teeth removal surgery healing process can be broken down into stages as follows.

• The first day: Blood clots form
• Two to three days: You find that your swelling has decreased.
• One week: If you have remaining stitches, your dentist can remove them now.
• One week to ten days: Jaw soreness should dissipate
• Two weeks: Mild bruising should heal

If a blood clot becomes dislodged, your healing and recovery could be longer. Therefore, it’s essential to not “play” with these blood clots to accidentally remove them.

Tips to Help With Healing from Wisdom Teeth Removal

To assist your recovery and healing from having your teeth pulled, practice all post-wisdom teeth instruction tips provided by your dentist, which may include the following:

• Refraining from sucking through straws for at least 24 hours after your surgery to prevent dislodging a blood clot.
• Using an ice pack on the outside of the extraction site to help with swelling and bruising
• Avoiding drinking hot beverages and eating hot foods for three or four days.
• Eating soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, jello, soft noodles, mashed bananas and soups. while avoiding foods that require chewing,
• Avoiding eating any foods that are sticky or chewy.
• Refraining from brushing your teeth residing near your extraction sites.
• Rinsing with an antiseptic mouth rinse if and when your dentist advises.
• Rinsing with warm salt water as needed and as directed by your dentist.

Remember, everyone heals differently from a tooth extraction, so always follow the instructions given by your dental professional. You can find important do’s and don’ts following wisdom removal surgery on our website here.

Potential Complications from Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery

Complications after wisdom teeth removal are rare. However, if you experience fever, pain, yellow or white pus around the wound, you may have developed an infection. If you develop intense throbbing, it may be indicative of a dry socket whereby your newly formed blood clots were lost or formed improperly. If you experience any of the above symptoms, call your dentist right away.

If you have any questions about wisdom teeth removal at Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers, give us a call at one of our offices: Valencia 661-253-3500, West Valley (818) 703-8200, or Palmdale (661) 538-1400.