Information About Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery

Wisdom teeth are usually the last molars that grow out and the first to be extracted – many people do not get their wisdom teeth fully erupted until their twenties and they need to get them extracted by the time they are in their thirties. Wisdom teeth are notorious for being a source of severe dental problems – some of them erupt, but then they grow in the wrong direction, pushing the other teeth in the row and crowding them and many in many cases or they don’t even grow out properly, causing issues while they are still under the gum. Wisdom teeth extractions in most cases are more complicated than the extraction of other molars – here is what to expect after the intervention.

Right After the Surgery

Most wisdom teeth extractions are outpatient interventions, meaning that you will be allowed to leave and go home on the day of the surgery. More complicated wisdom tooth extraction Buffalo Grove area extractions might be performed in general anesthesia, case in which the patient might spend a couple of more hours at the center where the surgery is done and might need some help to get home.

The Days Following the Surgery

Depending on how complicated the intervention was and on the size of the tooth, the wound left behind might be smaller and superficial or larger and deeper. You will need to take care of the wound the same way as you would after the extraction of any other teeth, paying attention not to dislodge the blood clot that forms in the wound. The clot is fragile and it gets easily dislodged, but it is very important to protect because it plays the role of sealing the wound and preventing any infection. For a couple of days, you must avoid any activity that could affect the clot, such as strenuous exercise, consuming food and drinks that are too hot or too cold, spitting or drinking with a straw.

For a couple of days after the extraction, you might experience pain or sensitivity and some swelling is also very common and usually considered normal. However, if you notice any difficulties swallowing, if you develop a fever and your pain medication is not effective, you should contact your doctor because the wound might have become infected and needs to be checked by your dentist or oral surgeon.

During these first few days, it is not recommended to brush the area around the wound and your regular mouthwash might also be too harsh, so you should avoid it. You should also try not to chew your food on the side where the wound is located and you should avoid dairy for a couple of days.

A Week after the Surgery

The wound should be largely healed in about a week. By that time, you will no longer feel any pain and you can return to your normal life. If the extraction required stitches, you will be probably asked to return to your dentist or oral surgeon for the removal of the stitches.

The Healing Process after the First Week

The surface of the wound will probably heal within a couple of weeks, but the healing process still continues in the deeper layers of the gum and the jaw. The process takes about 4-6 months to complete.