Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery Time

A dental extraction is a surgical procedure with some downtime. Once the dentist pulls out the tooth, it will take some time for the gums and jawbone to heal and recover. Continue reading to learn about wisdom tooth extraction in Phoenix and how long it takes to recover.

What Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Wisdom teeth are a set of four molars that erupt between ages 17- and 25. They are the third set of adult teeth to develop, hence the name wisdom teeth. These teeth are not necessary for a healthy smile. In addition, they hardly help to chew or speak like other teeth.

Wisdom teeth extraction is a procedure whereby a dentist pulls out one or all of these molars. The dentist near you may recommend the procedure if you have a decayed or prone-to-decay wisdom tooth. They may also remove the tooth if it is impacted or to correct overcrowding.

The process of removing a wisdom tooth is invasive. However, your dentist will administer anesthetics and sedatives to keep you relaxed and pain-free. Unfortunately, you will experience pain and discomfort after the anesthesia wears off. Fortunately, the dentist will provide instructions to ease discomfort and enhance healing.

Recovery Time After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Recovery and healing after wisdom teeth extraction take longer than a simple extraction. It is because the gums, ligaments and jawbone are affected during the process. Generally, it takes 3-4 days to recover after wisdom tooth removal. However, if the tooth was impacted or had developed at an awkward angle, recovery will take a week or two.

Long-term recovery after the surgery takes several weeks or months. The jawbone takes time to heal. However, pain after the procedure eases within a week if you do not have an infection. You should expect the swelling to go down within three days. In addition, any stiffness and soreness will disappear in 7-10 days.

How to Speed Up Healing

Although there is an expected recovery timeline after wisdom tooth removal, you can speed up healing. Below are tips from the dentist in Phoenix to enhance healing during recovery.

1. Take pain-relieving medication like paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage the pain. Also, take antibiotics to treat current infections and prevent future infections.
2. Place an icepack on the jaw near the extraction site. The cold helps reduce inflammation, swelling and pain.
3. Rest and avoid strenuous activity and exercise for a few days after the extraction. It is ideal to resume regular activities a week afterwards.
4. While lying down, elevate your head to prevent excessive bleeding.
5. Avoid dislodging the clot by not spitting forcefully, rinsing your mouth or taking hot drinks. If the clot is dislodged, you will have a dry socket which causes intense pain.
6. Do not smoke or take alcohol during the recovery period. They will inhibit healing and increase the risk of infections.
7. After 24 hours, rinse the mouth with warm saline water. It will keep the extraction site bacteria-free, preventing soreness and inflammation.
8. Avoid acidic, spicy, and difficult-to-chew foods. They may cause pain, irritation or delay healing. Instead, take liquid or soft foods in the first few days of recovery. Transition to more solid foods when the discomfort eases.

When to Call the Dentist

Although rare, it is possible to develop complications during the recovery period. For example, you can develop a dry socket if the blood clot is interfered with. You can also get an infection at the extraction site if bacteria are trapped inside. Other possible complications are nerve damage and allergic reactions.

When you have such complications, it is important to visit a dentist for treatment. Contact the dental experts at Healthy Smiles if you experience any of the symptoms below.

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Fever
• Pain medication is not effective
• Swelling that worsens over time
• Numbness or tingling in the gums, tongue, chin, surrounding teeth, and lower lips
• Spasms of the jaw muscles
• Blood or pus coming out of your nose
• The exposed bone at the extraction area
• Continuous bleeding even when you hold gauze to it and apply pressure

The dental team will evaluate your symptoms and diagnose your condition. They will then provide appropriate treatment to ease discomfort and promote healing. You can also contact us when considering a wisdom tooth extraction. In addition, visit us if you have symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth.