Having your wisdom teeth removed is a common and often necessary step in taking proper care of your dental health. The surgery itself usually only takes a few minutes, however, the recovery process can take some time and it’s important to understand what to expect afterward. At TruSmile Dental, we specialize in wisdom tooth extractions to ensure your recovery is as smooth as possible. Before making any decisions, it’s important to understand the wisdom tooth extraction recovery process and aftercare. In this article, we will discuss the whole wisdom tooth extraction recovery process and aftercare.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery Take?
The wisdom tooth extraction recovery will vary depending on the individual, however, generally, it can take anywhere between 3-7 days for mild discomfort to disappear. During this time it is important to follow the wisdom tooth extraction aftercare instructions given to you by your dental practitioner.
1. Pain Management
It’s well-known wisdom tooth extractions can be painful and your dentist may provide pain relief medication to make the wisdom tooth extraction recovery more comfortable. It is important to take any painkillers as instructed but also bear in mind that they can cause drowsiness so avoid driving or operating any machinery while taking them.
2. Swelling and Bleeding
Swelling is another common side effect of wisdom tooth extraction, especially around the jaw region. To help reduce the swelling, apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15 minutes at a time. This will help reduce the swelling and pain associated with wisdom tooth extraction recovery. Bleeding is also common, it’s important to bite on gauze for at least 30 minutes after wisdom tooth extraction to keep the bleeding under control.
3. Rest
It is also important to rest for the first few days of wisdom tooth extraction recovery. Don’t do any strenuous activities and try to stick to a soft food diet while eating. This will help reduce the wisdom tooth extraction recovery time, allowing your mouth to heal more quickly and efficiently.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Wisdom tooth extraction aftercare must be followed to ensure a successful wisdom tooth extraction recovery and reduce the risk of infection.
1. Eating and Drinking
For the first 24 hours following a wisdom tooth extraction, it’s best to stick to soft foods that don’t require much chewing such as yogurt, soup or smoothies. For the first few days, avoid hot drinks and alcohol to reduce the risk of infection.
2. Cleaning Your Mouth
Your dentist may tell you not to brush your teeth around the wisdom tooth extraction area for a few days after wisdom tooth extraction. However, it is important to keep your mouth clean with warm salt water or use an antimicrobial mouthwash.
3. Physical Activity
It’s important to take it easy following wisdom tooth extraction and avoid any strenuous activities including exercise, running and contact sports. This can help reduce swelling and the risk of infection while your wisdom tooth extraction recovery is taking place.
Risks of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
It is important to understand all wisdom tooth extraction risks, although wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure, there are still some potential complications that may arise.
1. Dry Socket
One of the most common wisdom tooth extraction risks is dry socket, this is when a hole in the bone is left after wisdom tooth extraction. This can cause pain, swelling and bad breath and requires professional treatment from your dental practitioner to help reduce the wisdom tooth extraction recovery time.
2. Infection
Infections are also a potential risk associated with wisdom tooth extractions, if wisdom tooth extraction aftercare instructions are not followed there is an increased risk of infection. Infections can cause pain and swelling, as well as difficulties opening your mouth or jaw.
3. Nerve Damage
In rare cases wisdom tooth extractions can also cause permanent nerve damage, this can lead to changes in sensation or feeling around the wisdom tooth extraction site.
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth extractions are a common dental procedure and wisdom tooth extraction recovery generally takes between 3-7 days depending on the individual. It is important to follow wisdom tooth extraction aftercare instructions given to you by your dentist to reduce any potential wisdom tooth extraction risks as well as ensure successful wisdom tooth extraction recovery. Book appointment with our Calgary dentist at TruSmile dental for more information on wisdom tooth extractions.
FAQs:
Q1. How long does wisdom tooth extraction recovery take?
Ans. Wisdom tooth extraction recovery generally takes between 3-7 days depending on the individual.
Q2. What should I do if I experience a dry socket following wisdom tooth extraction?
Ans. If you experience a dry socket following a wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to visit your dental practitioner as soon as possible for treatment.
Q3. Are there any risks associated with wisdom tooth extractions?
Ans. Yes, potential wisdom tooth extraction risks include dry socket, infection, and nerve damage. It is important to follow wisdom tooth extraction aftercare instructions given to you by your dentist to reduce any potential wisdom tooth extraction risks.
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