The time it takes to recover from a wisdom tooth extraction can vary depending on factors such as your age and whether they were affected. Recovery usually takes from 3 days to 2 weeks.
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last adult teeth to emerge in your mouth. They break out on the top and bottom of both sides, usually when you’re between the ages
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Although surgery is common, the recovery period will vary in length depending on:
- how many teeth were removed
- your age
- if a tooth is impacted, meaning it has not yet emerged from under the gums or is not visible
- if complications occurred during the operation
Read on to find out what you can expect in the two weeks after wisdom teeth removal.
Day 1
Wisdom tooth extraction is an outpatient surgery that usually takes about 1 hour.
The oral surgeon will give you local or general anesthesia before starting the surgery. After surgery, you will gradually regain sensation in your mouth as the anesthetic wears off.
Common symptoms to expect include:
- swelling, pain and blood in your mouth
- swelling and mild bruising of the cheek
- trismus, sometimes called a lock
- a strange taste in your mouth
- numbness, tingling or lack of feeling in your mouth, cheeks or face
It is important to have someone drive you home after surgery.
If you experience severe pain or excessive bleeding, contact your oral surgeon and seek immediate medical attention.
Days 2-4
Over the next few days, swelling, pain and bruising in your mouth and cheeks may increase. Download is recommended at least 1-2 days away from work or school to rest.
Gradually, your symptoms will get worse and then go away. Once they are manageable, you can go back to work or school.
If pain, bleeding, or discharge at the extraction site increases significantly, contact your oral surgeon or healthcare professional immediately.
Days 5-14
By the end of the seventh day, most people are nearing the end of their recovery. This might look like:
- very little swelling, bruising and soreness in your mouth and cheeks
- almost normal jaw mobility
- no more tingling, bleeding or bad taste in your mouth
- gradually returning to physical activity
If your third molars were impacted, came in at a difficult angle, or there were complications during the operation, you may need up to 2 weeks to recover.
Complications
Dry sockets may occur 3-5 days after surgery. This occurs when the natural blood clot that forms at the extraction site is dislodged or removed before the site heals, exposing bone or nerves.
Damage to the inferior alveolar or lingual nerves is also possible, although this is less common.
Get medical help if you experience any of these symptoms:
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- fever
- Your medicine is not effective in relieving the pain
- swelling, tingling or numbness that gets worse over time
- blood or pus coming out of your nose
- bleeding at the extraction site that does not stop when you hold gauze over it and apply pressure
Activity
It is important not to dislodge any blood clots that form in the back of your mouth or irritate the stitches. Like any scab, the blood above your wisdom tooth hole protects and heals the wound.
During the first 24 hours, avoid:
- consumption of alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
- chewing food
- using a straw
- smoking
- use of tobacco products or vaping
- rinse your mouth or spit
After the first 24 hours have passed, you may resume your daily activities, but avoid doing anything that might dislodge the stitches or the blood clot above your wound. This includes:
- weight lifting or strenuous exercise
- smoking
- shaking or spitting
- drinking from a straw
- chewing hard or chewy food
Once the pain and swelling are reduced, you can gradually start exercising again. That said, if you play contact or high-intensity sports, talk to an oral surgeon to determine the best time frame to resume activity.
Oral hygiene
Taking proper care of your mouth will help prevent infections and complications.
After the operation, you will have gauze in your mouth. Your oral surgeon will give you precise instructions on how best to clean and protect your mouth during recovery. This may be the only time your oral surgeon tells you not to brush, rinse, or floss for an entire day!
After leaving your mouth alone for the first 24 hours, common cleaning instructions include:
- Gently rinse your mouth with salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash. Do not splash or spit the liquid. Instead, move your head from side to side, then tilt your mouth over the sink to let the water fall.
- Brush gently and floss the rest of your teeth.
- Gently dab the wound with gauze to absorb excess blood.
The main ways to manage pain and reduce swelling are icing the area and taking painkillers.
Your oral surgeon may prescribe painkillers or antibiotics. These can help with pain, inflammation and infection prevention. Follow the instructions provided carefully and complete the entire course of antibiotics.
Alternatively, they may recommend over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Certain home remedies may also help relieve pain and discomfort, such as icing the affected area or using an extra pillow at night.
Staying hydrated and eating right is important for recovery. Talk to your oral surgeon about what you can eat from the day after surgery.
Remember, you don’t want to disturb the blood clot or the stitches. Start with very soft food, such as:
- cottage cheese
- applesauce
- pudding
- soup
- mashed potatoes
- smoothies
When eating, avoid:
- very hot or cold foods
- nuts or seeds that could get stuck in the ejection hole
- drinking from a straw or swirling vigorously from a spoon
- hard, crunchy or spicy foods
When you start eating more filling food after a few days, chew with your other teeth. After eating, remember to gently rinse your mouth.
How many days should I take for wisdom tooth restoration?
It is recommended that you take at least 2 days off from work or school, including the date of your surgery. But if your job requires physical exercise, you should consider taking 3-4 days off.
It is very important to gradually return to work and your daily activities.
Is 3 days enough to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
Some people may recover from having their wisdom teeth extracted after 3 days. However, it may also take some people up to 2 weeks to fully recover, especially if there were complications during the operation.
What day is the worst wisdom tooth pain?
The second and third days are usually the most painful after having your wisdom teeth removed. This is when the anesthetic will usually have worn off.
If you begin to experience a significant increase in pain, bleeding, or discharge between days three and five, see your oral surgeon. This can be a sign of dryness, which can be very painful and cause further complications.
A wisdom tooth extraction is a very common procedure to correct or prevent problems with your last set of molars. Recovery time usually takes up to 1 week, but can take 2 weeks for some.
After surgery, it is important to follow the instructions to prevent any infections or complications.
