How long does wisdom teeth removal take to heal?

Many of us have faced wisdom teeth removal. For most, this occurs almost as a rite of passage into adulthood, around the age of 17 to 25. When you need this standard procedure, you probably wonder, “How long does wisdom teeth removal take to heal?”

So, how long does it take for wisdom teeth to heal?

Wisdom teeth are your back molars and the last ones to grow in your mouth. Most people have them on both top and bottom jaws on each side of their mouth. You face problems when you don’t have enough space in your jaws for these teeth to grow in without affecting their neighboring teeth.

In this circumstance and for most people, your dentist recommends a wisdom teeth removal procedure. This procedure is a dental surgery that requires about a week to heal. And yes, recovery takes longer if your teeth haven’t emerged from the gums.

The Day of your Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery

You go through outpatient surgery for wisdom teeth removal. This means you don’t stay overnight in a hospital. You receive dentistry sedation or local anesthesia in the dentist’s office. Your dentist will discuss the type of sedation you need, according to the expectations for your surgery.

After your surgery, you start regaining the feeling and use of your mouth. But you still experience some mild pain and swelling, possibly with light bleeding. An excellent way to reduce swelling and pain is by applying an ice pack to your face. Your dentist will also provide a medication prescription for over-the-counter pain relievers for your teeth to heal correctly.

Most people require someone to help them get from the dentist’s office to their car. It’s better to have someone drive you home. Then, you can get comfortable and spend some time relaxing, allowing yourself to heal.

It is vital to know “what to eat after wisdom teeth removal” for a smooth and quick recovery.

Recovery Time

Wisdom teeth recovery usually takes 3 to 4 days. However, for complex cases, it could take a week to recover. Pain after wisdom tooth removal usually lasts from three days to one week. Unless you experience an infection or dry sockets by not taking care of your oral hygiene as recommended. You can expect swelling of the cheeks and mouth to go down in 2-3 days. The stiffness and soreness will likely fade away in 6-9 days.

How to Speed Up Healing

Following are the practices that can speed up your healing during your wisdom teeth recovery:

• Take it easy for the first few days. You can most likely continue normal activities after the first day, but it would be best to wait for about a week. You don’t want to take any risk, do you?
• Place an ice pack over your jaw and cheeks to help with swelling. The cold from the ice pack helps to reduce inflammation and the discomfort that comes with it.
• For pain management, you can take a pain reliever prescribed by your oral surgeon.
• After the first day, gently rinse your mouth with salt water a few times per day to prevent infection and keep it clean.
• Avoid hard foods and maintain good overall oral hygiene.

Takeaway

Wisdom teeth removal is a procedure you should take seriously but not something to be scared of. The recovery period usually takes a few days, and in some cases, a week. You can help with pain and swelling by following your dentist’s instructions and taking prescribed medicines on time. Don’t hesitate to call your dentist or oral surgeon (What type of dentist removes wisdom teeth?) if you notice any unusual symptoms after your surgery. They will help you get on the quick road to healing and back to a healthy and confident smile.