Wisdom tooth extraction is necessary for good oral health for many adults and teens. Although wisdom tooth extraction recovery takes time, most patients can return to daily activities quickly and reach full recovery within a few days.
The keys to a successful recovery include rest, careful management of swelling and discomfort, and modifications to your diet. Avoiding certain foods and activities makes it easier for your gums and jaw to recover quickly, without reopening or irritating wounds. Minor discomfort after wisdom teeth removal procedure is common.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
Wisdom tooth removal requires dentists to surgically remove teeth from the jaw. The most effective option for your case depends on the position and condition of your wisdom teeth.
A simple extraction is performed on fully or partially erupted teeth in a dentist’s chair with local anesthesia to numb the area. At No Gaps Dental, we also offer Inhalation dentistry (laughing gas) for our nervous or anxious patients.
After the tooth is removed the area is packed with gauze to prevent excess bleeding. Your dentist will ask you to gently bite down on the gauze for about 30 minutes.
Complex wisdom teeth extractions require a general anesthetic. An incision is made in the gums to facilitate removal, and in some cases, the tooth is sectioned into smaller pieces and then removed. The wound is sutured to help with blood clot formation.
Complicating Factors for Your Recovery
The length of your recovery depends on the nature of your wisdom teeth extraction and the per-surgical condition of your teeth.
Although some people only get one or two wisdom teeth removed, it’s common for people to have all four removed at once. For some patients, this is done to reduce the risks of wisdom tooth discomfort and complications later in life. Your recovery time is also determined by your immune system and any medical conditions that could potentially disrupt the healing process such as diabetes or blood clotting disorders.
If you know of any medical condition which could complicate your recovery, notify your dentist as soon as possible.
Returning Home
If you were under general anaesthesia during your wisdom tooth removal, you will be drowsy upon waking up, and may need assistance standing and walking around. You may also be unable to drive for several hours upon awakening. It is recommended that you bring along a friend or family member for assistance and transport after your procedure.
If a local anesthetic was administered, it may take some time to wear off. During this time you must be careful when eating or speaking not to bite your cheeks or tongue.
In all cases, No Gaps Dental patients are given time to recover at the practice until they are comfortable returning home.
Post-Operative Instructions
You will have strict post-operative instructions to follow after wisdom tooth removal, and they may vary slightly depending on the invasiveness of your procedure and the number of teeth removed.
These may include not brushing or flossing for the rest of the day or the next day, or periodically rinsing with salt water to clean the wound. Generally, you will need to minimize talking, chewing, and other activity, and apply ice to your face intermittently to reduce swelling.
Keep gauze on the wounds until the bleeding subsides, and change the gauze every 30 minutes. Reapply gauze of bleeding restarts, but do not sleep with gauze in your mouth.
Patients are typically encouraged to take over the counter medication to manage any discomfort for the first few days after wisdom tooth removal. Your dentist may also prescribe pain medication. During the first 24 hours, any discomfort will peak, so take your medications on-time.
Avoid strenuous activity and rest with your head slightly elevated to minimize swelling.
Do not smoke or drink from a straw for the first full day after surgery as this can create negative pressure inside your mouth which can cause the blood clot to dislodge leading to a painful secondary condition called dry socket.
You will need to modify to your diet. Stick to nutrient-dense foods such as yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, fruit and vegetable purees, or smoothies that you can consume without a straw.
Potential Complications
Like any medical procedure, complications can arise after wisdom tooth removal. No Gaps Dental practices use a highly-qualified dental team to complete your wisdom tooth removal safely and accurately, but complications are still possible in rare cases.
Complications may include dry socket, infection, or nerve damage. Dry socket occurs when the clot covering the wisdom tooth wound breaks free, allowing the wound to dry out and exposes the nerves and bone tissue.
If you feel increased pain in the wound a few days after the procedure, contact the dental practice for a follow-up visit. Symptoms of an infection include pain, fever, and swelling around the removal site.
Infections can usually be resolved with a prescribed antibiotic. Contact your dentist right away if you experience fever after your wisdom tooth removal, as infections can be serious if left untreated. Nerve damage is less common, but when it does happen, it can cause pain or loss of feeling in lips, teeth, or facial tissue for several weeks. Talk to your dentist if you experience any unusual tingling or pain in the days after your wisdom tooth extraction.
Have a Smooth Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery
No Gaps Dental locations provide wisdom tooth removal and place patient safety first in all we do. Our team is proud to provide excellent care and service to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
We can work with you to make your wisdom tooth extraction recovery as smooth as possible. Contact us on (02) 8806 0181 or book an appointment online for an evaluation of your wisdom teeth.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.