Can I go to work the next day after wisdom tooth extraction?

Asked by: Kayleigh Fahey  |  Last update: December 1, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (34 votes)

Every patient is unique, but most are able to get back on the job within two or three days of the wisdom teeth removal procedure.

Can I go to work the next day after wisdom tooth removal?

It's usually recommended that you take a day or two off work after having a wisdom tooth removed. You won't need a sick note from your doctor or dentist for this.

How many days off for wisdom teeth?

You should take at least a couple of days off of work or school to recover from wisdom teeth removal. On average, we see patients resume their normal activities around 3–4 days after surgery. Some patients feel back to normal as soon as the following day, while others require a couple of weeks to fully recover.

How many days should you stay home after wisdom teeth?

You can expect your recovery time after wisdom teeth removal to be three to four days. However, if your wisdom teeth were impacted, this could increase your recovery time to about a week to heal. You may experience discomfort or pain after wisdom teeth extraction for three days to one week.

What day is wisdom tooth pain the worst?

Recovery Timeline Following Wisdom Teeth Removal
  • Days 1-2: Wisdom tooth extraction is a same-day surgery and does not require overnight hospital admission. ...
  • Days 3-4: During this period, swelling will be at its greatest, but the sharp pain will gradually dull to general soreness.

Wisdom Teeth Extractions RECOVERY TIPS (How To Heal Fast)

45 related questions found

What to expect the first 72 hours after wisdom teeth removal?

Swelling and Bruising

Swelling is usually at its worst 48–72 hours after the surgery, and then it begins to improve. Bruising may occur over a few days and resolve within 2 weeks. Ice helps. Apply ice to your face over the surgical areas for about 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off over the first 24 hours.

What to do 48 hours after wisdom teeth removal?

48 hours after surgery, you should begin irrigating the sockets with the syringe provided at least 5-6 times a day, especially after eating, with a ½ teaspoon of salt mixed into one cup of warm water. There will be a prescription mouth rinse given to you after surgery—take it as prescribed.

How long will I miss work for wisdom teeth removal?

Though wisdom teeth removal recovery varies somewhat, you'll most likely be ready to return to work or school after just four or five days. You'll probably be able to return to all normal activities after just one week. If you need stitches, expect to have them for seven to ten days.

Is day 2 of wisdom teeth removal?

Day 1-2 will be the most uncomfortable and you will experience some swelling. Day 3 you should be more comfortable and while still swollen, you should be able to begin a more substantial diet. Day 4 and on you should see a gradual and steady improvement.

How long are you loopy after wisdom teeth removal?

The effects of IV sedation will last for at least 12 hours after the procedure. You might feel drowsy immediately after the procedure, so you must walk around with a chaperone. Full effects of IV sedation will wear off after 24 hours. You might need to steer clear of heavy machinery 24 hours after your treatment.

What to do 48 hours after wisdom teeth removal?

48 hours after surgery, you should begin irrigating the sockets with the syringe provided at least 5-6 times a day, especially after eating, with a ½ teaspoon of salt mixed into one cup of warm water. There will be a prescription mouth rinse given to you after surgery—take it as prescribed.

What should I do on day 2 after wisdom teeth removal?

What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal. For the first 24 hours after your surgery, you should have only liquids and very soft foods like applesauce or mashed potatoes. Avoid very hot, spicy, crunchy, hard-edged foods (like sourdough bread). During days 2-3, you can start to eat a larger variety of foods.

What can you not do on the day of wisdom teeth removal?

Do not rinse your mouth too vigorously, suck on a straw, or drink carbonated beverages for the first 24 hours. Do not smoke or drink alcohol – Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages for at least 48 hours after surgery and preferably not for the first week.

What day is wisdom tooth pain the worst?

With a typical wisdom tooth extraction, discomfort typically improves after 3 or 4 days, with day three usually being the most noticeable in regard to discomfort. If you are developing an infection or dry socket, the pain may last as long as two weeks without professional treatment.

How do I keep busy after wisdom teeth removal?

Here are some tips to help keep you busy and entertained post wisdom tooth removal!
  1. Tip#1 – Puzzles and Games. Keep your brain stimulated with some new puzzles or board games. ...
  2. Tip #2 – Binge-a-thon. ...
  3. Tip #3 – Grab a Book. ...
  4. Tip #4 – Video Games.

Why is the second day the worst for wisdom teeth?

If the blood does not clot properly at the site of a wisdom tooth extraction, you may wind up with exposed bone that causes severe pain. Dry sockets usually become evident about two days after surgery, and the pain may worsen and radiate to the ear.

Does wisdom teeth removal hurt the 2nd day?

Day 1-2 will be the most uncomfortable and you will experience some swelling. Day 3 you should be more comfortable and while still swollen, you should be able to begin a more substantial diet. Day 4 and on you should see a gradual and steady improvement.

Can I drink water 2 hours after wisdom teeth removal?

How soon can I drink water after tooth extraction? Except for taking medications, you should avoid all food and drink for at least 24 hours after wisdom tooth removal. This allows your surgical site to heal. It's best to drink plenty of water the next day to remain hydrated and stick to a soft, liquid-based diet.

What if I can't get food out of extraction site?

Dislodge the food by gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water (saline) solution. Avoid swishing the water around and don't spit—this can lead to painful dry sockets. If you received a syringe from your clinician, you can use warm water or salt water to gently flush the socket clean.

How long are you loopy after wisdom teeth removal?

The effects of IV sedation will last for at least 12 hours after the procedure. You might feel drowsy immediately after the procedure, so you must walk around with a chaperone. Full effects of IV sedation will wear off after 24 hours. You might need to steer clear of heavy machinery 24 hours after your treatment.

Is it okay to swish water after wisdom teeth removal?

DO NOT rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours after surgery. After that, rinse gently with the oral rinse, if prescribed by your doctor, or with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water) 2-3 times a day for 1 week.

What day is swelling the worst after wisdom teeth removal?

A variable amount of swelling can be expected following the surgery. While each patient is variable, this swelling usually peaks on days 3-4 and should typically begin to resolve by day 5. You can limit the amount of swelling you will have by using ice packs.

Is it dry socket or just pain?

Dry sockets become increasingly painful in the days after a tooth extraction. They may also have exposed bone or tissue, or an unpleasant smell. By comparison, normal healing sockets get less painful over time and do not cause any other symptoms.

How long is 2 wisdom teeth healing?

While you can get back to your normal, day-to-day routine after just a few days, it will take up to 2 weeks to fully heal and recover from a wisdom tooth extraction at Jackson Family Dentistry.

Is the 3rd day the worst day after wisdom teeth removal?

The swelling will build over the first 48 to 72 hours and then plateau for 2-3 days making the 3rd-5th days the worst for pain and swelling. The application of a moist warm towel will help eliminate the discoloration.