In-depth research shows that about five million Americans undergo wisdom teeth removal per year. In addition to this, dentists and oral surgeons extract about 10 million wisdom teeth in a year.
Moreover, wisdom teeth are the third molars, and while not everyone develops future oral health problems, some cases still require care after wisdom teeth extraction. Wisdom teeth removal recovery may take one to two weeks, or about two weeks, to recover fully. During this period, you must know how to look after the wound appropriately. In fact, taking care of your teeth and gums appropriately can help speed up the recovery period. Here we discuss ways you can achieve that:
How Long Does a Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Take?
After wisdom teeth are removed, some patients need stitches to help close the wound, while others do not. If stitches are placed, you may need to wait a week to have them removed. In some cases, pain and swelling are expected and completely normal in the first few days, and managing post-extraction bleeding and discomfort is part of a normal recovery; bruising can take a little longer to fade.
Generally, wisdom teeth recovery occurs slowly yet gradually. Here we discuss the healing process in several steps:
- A blood clot should form properly at the extraction site within the first 24 hours.
- Swelling of the mouth and cheeks typically improves after 2 to 3 days.
- Your dentist will remove stitches after seven days.
- Jaw stiffness and soreness should disappear within 7 to 10 days.
- Mild bruising occurring on your face should diminish after two weeks.
For many patients, full recovery takes about two weeks, although deeper healing can continue beyond that without affecting daily life.
Keep in mind that the recovery time varies for different people, such as students, athletes, and missionaries preparing for service. If dry socket, worsening pain, or an infection occurs, your wound may take longer to heal and may need your dentist’s attention.
How to Speed Up Recovery Process
The below-mentioned tips support a faster recovery after wisdom teeth removal in St. George, UT, and following your aftercare instructions is an important factor. Patients return to daily routines at different speeds depending on the procedure and how closely they follow care guidance.
Follow a Strict Soft Foods Diet
To ensure you don’t irritate your wound or cause an infection, avoid consuming hot foods and beverages right after oral surgery while the effects of local anesthesia or general anesthesia wear off.
Your tooth sockets require at least two weeks to heal, whereas you may have to wait a while before the stitches settle in properly, and upper back tooth extractions may require additional sinus precaution instructions. For this reason, experts recommend you eat soft foods and liquids for at least a week before gradually reintroducing solid foods, since choosing soft foods carefully can help prevent infection at the removal site.
Rinse Your Mouth with Salt Water
Don’t rinse your mouth in the first 24 hours after your wisdom teeth surgery. However, you may start rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater in the following week to support oral health and help prevent infection around the surgical sites, which also supports the broader link between oral health and overall wellness. It removes food particles and also kills bacteria, but avoid forceful swishing or anything that could dislodge blood clots while rinsing, and it also acts as a natural painkiller.
Ice the Wound
One great way to gain relief from wisdom tooth surgery pain is by icing your jaw, which can help reduce swelling after wisdom teeth extraction. That way, you can reduce the bruising and swelling you may be experiencing.
Start by placing an ice pack atop the extraction area for at least 15 to 20 minutes. After that, remove the ice pack and let your face cool down for about 20 minutes. Keeping your head elevated can also help. Then repeat the process.
You may continue doing this process multiple times for the 36 to 48 hours following your removal. During the first day or two, avoid strenuous activity and strenuous exercise, since they can increase discomfort at the extraction site, especially after more involved oral and facial surgery procedures. Once swelling starts to fade, warm compresses may help reduce stiffness and mild discomfort, which is especially important if you are also recovering from any facial trauma procedures.
The Takeaway
After appropriate aftercare, after having your wisdom teeth extracted, full recovery commonly takes about two weeks, though some healing can continue longer, and many patients return to normal routines before complete healing as long as they keep following aftercare instructions. In case you develop an infection, you may need to take antibiotics.
Moreover, you must schedule a follow-up appointment with your oral surgeon to support a stress-free recovery and have the extraction site checked if symptoms do not improve. Book an appointment here in Southern Utah with our expert oral surgeon Dr. Davis to ensure your wound doesn’t get an infection and your recovery process goes smoothly.