If you have recently had your wisdom teeth removed, you may be wondering about how long it will take to recover from the surgery and what to expect during the recovery process. The time required to heal after wisdom teeth removal surgery varies by individual, but there are some common elements of wisdom teeth healing timeline that most people experience within one month after the surgery. Let’s take a look at these common recovery steps and tips that can help make the recovery process easier.
Signs of Wisdom Tooth Pain
You should contact your dentist immediately if you experience any of these symptoms: Swelling at or around a wisdom tooth Sore throat or fever (which can indicate infection) Red and/or painful gums It’s important to understand that common wisdom may not always be accurate. In fact, there are some pretty major misconceptions surrounding wisdom teeth. Many people believe they should have their wisdom teeth removed right after they come in—usually during their late teens or early 20s. However, it’s best to hold off on extraction until age 25 (but no later than 30) so you can have time for your mouth and jawbone to finish growing naturally.
Signs that Surgery Was Successful
Some dental surgeons will tell you that wisdom teeth don’t necessarily need to be removed, but it can also depend on how much discomfort they cause. (If a problem doesn’t go away on its own, it might just mean that your mouth isn’t ready for another molar.) Signs that surgery was successful include pain relief, fewer headaches and relief from TMJ symptoms. Your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend biting into food with extra care for a week after surgery because you’ll probably experience some bruising and swelling in your gums. You might also take medication such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain. Most people are able to return to work within two days of having their wisdom teeth remove. If you have an athletic event coming up soon, make sure to check with your doctor first before resuming any strenuous activities like running or weightlifting.
How Long Does it Take for My Mouth to Heal from Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
The swelling and discomfort that come with wisdom teeth removal are very manageable. Wisdom teeth healing timeline is relatively quick—it shouldn’t take more than a few days for most people, but everyone is different. Factors like infection risk, overall health, and post-op care will determine your own specific timeline for healing. Here’s what you can expect over time after your numbered tooth chart.
Full Healing Timeline
As with any surgery, it’s important to consult with your dentist on a wisdom teeth healing timeline. Generally speaking, here’s what you can expect after you get your wisdom teeth removed: Within two days, your jaw will feel sore and tender. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with symptoms of mild discomfort or sensitivity (as long as they don’t cause drowsiness). Four to six weeks after surgery, most patients feel like their mouths are fully healed. The mouth is still very delicate during that time; avoid eating hard foods for several weeks. Patients should avoid smoking for about three months after surgery—this will help ensure a full recovery and keep your risk of complications low.
Tips for Faster Healing
If you’re still in a lot of pain after your wisdom teeth have been removed, don’t worry. This is why it’s important to work with an oral surgeon who will answer your questions and help guide you through each step of recovery. Keep reading for more information about what to expect after wisdom teeth removal.
What if I Have Questions During My Wisdom Tooth Surgery Recovery Period?
A great question! If you have any questions during your recovery period, contact your dentist. They should be able to address your concerns promptly and effectively. If they can’t be reached easily or don’t respond quickly enough. Try another dentist in their office or find one that comes highly recommended. Having a comfortable relationship with your dentist is important, especially when it comes to something as delicate as surgery. Let them know what your concerns are; they should do everything possible to make sure you are comfortable and happy throughout your recovery period.
Will I Feel Better After My Treatment Is Over?
For a variety of reasons, you may feel uncomfortable after your procedure. In some cases, this could be attributed to pain or side effects from anesthesia. But it’s also possible that you might experience discomfort due to temporary swelling in your mouth. While symptoms can vary between patients and based on what type of wisdom teeth were removed. If you’re experiencing any discomfort after your procedure. It’s important that you talk with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you address any lingering issues, the sooner they can be resolved. If necessary, many procedures can be performed while under local anesthesia—meaning there are no added risks and recovery is quick. Some procedures even allow for same-day surgery!