Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Recovery Time

Having to undergo wisdom tooth extraction in Hamilton, ON, is no light matter. Tooth removal can be a nerve-wracking experience, and that is why some patients may opt to avoid the procedure altogether. It is understandable simply because no one ever desires to lose a tooth.

However, it may be difficult for you to believe that undergoing wisdom tooth removal may be the best move if you wish to improve your oral health. If you are not convinced, look at some of the reasons our dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal:

• Tumors
• Recurrent infection of soft tissue behind your lower last wisdom tooth
• Damage to nearby teeth
• Extensive tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Impaction
• Pain
• A small jaw, so there’s not enough room for the teeth to erupt

Now can you see why the procedure can be deemed necessary? However, the simple part is undergoing the procedure. It is pain-free since it is performed under local or general anesthesia. But the challenge comes during recovery. So, if you wish to know what happens during recovery, read on.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

The first thing you should know about wisdom teeth removal is that it is a surgical procedure. Our dentist may need to cut the gum to access the tooth to be removed, especially when the tooth is impacted. You can expect the tooth to be removed in a few minutes if the procedure is simple, but if removing the tooth is more complicated, it will take more than 20 minutes.

If our dentist had to make an incision to access the tooth, then there’s a high chance that the area would be sewn. The stitches will take 7 to 10 days to dissolve and seal the wound. The surgery can sometimes cause some bruising and swelling, which will also need some time to heal.

Recovery from a wisdom tooth extraction in Hamilton, ON, is gradual, but you will see improvement each day. But in any case, it may take close to two weeks for you to recover from wisdom tooth removal.

During the two weeks, you may experience the following:

• Blood clots will start forming within the initial 24 hours after the surgery
• Swollen cheeks and mouth that will be worse for the first few days. However, they improve after a few days.
• Some mild bruising of the cheek, which can last for up to two weeks
• A sore or stiff jaw that should wear off within a week or so
• Pain that can be worse if the extraction is complicated
• An unpleasant taste in the mouth

However, inform our dentist right away if you notice any unusual symptoms such as severe pain or excessive bleeding.

Recovery time will be different for everyone since every patient’s circumstance is different. Plus, if the clot formed at the extraction site is dislodged or the socket becomes infected, the recovery time will increase.

How to Speed Up Recovery

Clotting takes place immediately after the procedure. This is essential since it helps prevent excessive bleeding, allows new tissue to grow, protects the exposed bone, and protects the wound from infection. Therefore, you mustn’t dislodge the blood clots.

You should avoid doing the following to keep the clot in place:

• Drinking hot liquids
• Brushing the teeth that are next to the extraction site
• Eating foods that need chewing
• Rinsing your mouth
• Avoid smoking, sucking on straws, or taking alcohol for no less than 24 hours after the surgery

Additionally, use an antiseptic rinse after 24 hours.

More Self-Care Tips

If you wish to aid your recovery and reduce the pain, you can:

• Use painkillers to help manage the pain-you can get prescribed painkillers or buy from your local drugstore
• Use two pillows to prop your head while you are sleeping
• Avoid strenuous activity or even exercise for a few days
• Get more rest, even take a day or two off work

Our dentist may suggest that you use an icepack to help with the swelling and reduce the pain. It would be better to use an ice pack immediately after the procedure. Additionally, if our dentist used a sedative, then you will need someone else to drive you home. Then, avoid driving for 24 hours when a sedative was used and 48 hours if the extraction was performed under general anesthesia.

A week or so after your tooth has been pulled, you will need to come in for a check-up so that our dentist may ascertain whether your socket is healing as it should.

Contact us at Jackson Square Dental Centre if you have any issues or questions.