Following wisdom teeth removal, it’s normal to experience:
- Pain at the removal site(s)
- Swelling at the gums and the cheeks
- Temporary jaw mobility issues
- Bruising on the jaw or cheeks
The recovery process for wisdom tooth removal varies from patient to patient. While many have easier or more straightforward recoveries, others may run into complications along their healing journeys.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?
The amount of time the procedure takes depends on how many teeth are being removed, but overall, the process is not that long. If all four teeth need to be removed, it can take up to 45 minutes. Of course, if fewer than four teeth are removed, the process will take less time.
What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
If you are scheduled to have your wisdom teeth extracted and are curious about the experience that follows the procedure, here is a rundown of what you could expect during the recovery process. (Remember, every patient is different, and recovery can vary based on the anesthetic(s) used or the actions required during the procedure.)
The First Few Hours After Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
Pain
If you received general anesthesia or IV sedation, you will likely still be asleep for at least the first hour following your procedure. If you only received a local anesthetic, you will be conscious throughout the procedure and during post-op in the office. Regardless of the sedation you receive, it’s unlikely that you will experience pain immediately following surgery.
In the hours following, as your anesthetics or numbing agents wear off, you will likely experience soreness and pain at the extraction site and in the jaw.
Your doctor may prescribe pain-relieving medication that you can begin taking at the first sign of discomfort. Continue taking any prescribed medications according to the instructions listed on the packaging.
If you did not receive a prescription, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (like Advil) or acetaminophen (like Tylenol), to help ease any discomfort and reduce swelling.
Gauze
You will likely be sent home with gauze packed in the back of your mouth at the removal site. It’s important to leave any gauze in your mouth for as long as your doctor instructs to help blood clots form at the removal site. Clotting is a crucial process. Without developing clots, or if you lose a clot at any point in the recovery process, you could experience an infection or a dry socket, a painful and common complication of wisdom teeth removal where the blood clot dislodges or detaches from the gum. Should you experience a dry socket, you can expect a prolonged healing process.
Doctors typically suggest keeping gauze in place and replacing it every 30-45 minutes until there is little to no blood, which usually takes 3-4 hours.
Do not eat or sleep with gauze in your mouth.
Hygiene
Brushing and flossing your teeth are still important to do after wisdom tooth removal, but do not do either in the first 24 hours after wisdom tooth extraction. Do not even rinse your mouth during this period, as it could disrupt the healing process.
Food and Drink
Wait until you can remove the gauze from your mouth start eating or drinking anything.
When you are ready to eat, stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing at first.
Suggested foods:
- Applesauce
- Blended or pureed soups
- Ice cream (no add-ins)
- Jello
- Mashed potatoes
- Pudding
- Pureed fruits or veggies
- Scrambled eggs
- Smoothies
- Yogurt (no fruit, nuts, granola, or additional add-ins)
Avoid foods that are chewy, crunchy, full of seeds, or highly acidic. All of these qualities can lead to discomfort or complications at the removal site.
Suggested drinks:
- Water
- Fruit juices
- Milk (including dairy, oat, almond, etc.)
- Room-temperature teas (without additives like honey)
- Sports drinks (like Gatorade or Powerade)
Avoid drinks that are carbonated, hot, alcohol-based, or acidic. All of these qualities can lead to discomfort or complications at the removal site. Also, avoid using straws—the suction required when using a straw could dislodge a blood clot and lead to the development of a dry socket.
Vices
Avoid consuming alcohol, smoking, vaping, and using smokeless tobacco products for a while after wisdom tooth removal, at least for 72 hours. It is especially crucial to avoid these vices in the first few hours after removal.
24-72 Hours (1-3 Days) After Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
Pain
It is normal to continue feeling mild to moderate discomfort for the first three days after wisdom tooth extraction. If you are taking good care of your mouth following surgery, you can expect the pain to slowly subside during this period. If you are not following your doctor’s recommendations with food, drink, hygiene, and others, your pain may not subside easily, or new pain may develop as a result of infection or dry socket.
Continue taking prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers as needed during this time.
Hygiene
24-72 hours after your wisdom tooth removal, you can begin rinsing your mouth with salt water (mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water). Be sure to let the water touch your extraction site(s) to promote healing and pain relief. Continue to avoid brushing and flossing at this time.
Food and Drink
Throughout the three days following wisdom tooth removal, you should listen to your body and eat accordingly. In other words, if you are still experiencing moderate levels of pain up to three days after your procedure, continue eating super soft foods and recommended beverages.
If your pain is starting to subside and you’re willing to try introducing different foods back in, start slow and gentle.
Foods you can try during this period include:
- Soft-cooked veggies
- Easy-to-chew fruits and veggies (bananas, avocado, etc.)
- Soft-prepared tofu
- Hummus (without the hard veggies or pita bread/chips)
- Baked or grilled fish (salmon, tilapia, or other soft fish)
Beverages you can start reintroducing include:
- Sodas
- Hot tea (not coffee)
Keep avoiding alcohol and coffee, as the negative effects both have on your healing process can prolong your recovery time.
Vices
Continue to avoid smoking, vaping, or using smokeless tobacco products 24-72 hours after wisdom tooth extraction to help you heal without unnecessary complications.
One Week After Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
Pain
As long as everything goes well and no infections or dry sockets form, you can expect to feel mild to minimal pain after a week following wisdom tooth extraction. Continue taking over-the-counter pain relievers to mitigate any lingering pain, if necessary.
Hygiene
About 4-5 days after tooth extraction, you can begin to gently brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding the area near the extraction site(s).
Do not use regular mouthwash or an electric toothbrush at this time. Allow your mouth to fully heal first.
Food and Drink
Continue to listen to your body and eat accordingly during the week following wisdom tooth extraction.
Some foods you can try reintroducing at this time include:
- Pastas
- Bread (start with soft bread first)
- Rice
- Baked chicken
- Meatloaf
- Seeded fruits
- Baked potatoes and other veggies
Again, slowly introduce harder and crunchier foods. If all feels good and you don’t think it’s interrupting the healing process, continue reintroducing. If it still feels as if there is a risk of disturbing the extraction sites(s), stick to softer options for now.
Drinks you can reintroduce after the first week:
- Coffee
- Alcohol
Vices
People who smoke, vape, or use smokeless tobacco products can usually start reusing the week following wisdom tooth removal. Keep in mind, though, that there is still always a risk of disrupting the healing process by returning to these vices to soon.
Most patients heal completely from wisdom tooth removal by the second week following surgery as long as no infections, dry sockets, or other complications arise.
When you or a loved one requires wisdom tooth removal, turn to Dr. Tomlinson at Athens Oral Surgery Center.
Schedule a consultation with our expert team today: 706-549-5033
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