How long does it take to heal from wisdom tooth extraction?

Asked by: Prof. Amber Kuhlman  |  Last update: September 13, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (2 votes)

It can take up to 2 weeks to recover from the surgery for having your wisdom tooth or teeth removed. During this time, you may have: a swollen mouth and cheeks – this will be worse for the first few days but will gradually improve; gently pressing a cold cloth to your face helps reduce the swelling.

How long does it take wisdom teeth holes to close?

The area around a wisdom tooth extraction typically closes within six weeks. In the next several months, those sockets will fill with bone.

What is the fastest recovery time for wisdom tooth extraction?

If all four of your wisdom teeth are impacted, your recovery will be more uncomfortable than if you only had one impacted wisdom tooth. A simple extraction can have a recovery time of three to four days, while an extraction involving impacted teeth can require a full week of recovery at home.

When is dry socket no longer a risk?

When Can I Stop Worrying About Dry Socket? Until the full recovery of your extraction site, a dry socket can form if you fail to follow the care tips. Usually, a week (7-8 days) after wisdom tooth extraction, you can stop worrying about a dry socket as gums take this much time to close fully.

What day is wisdom teeth removal most painful?

How Long Does Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction Last? 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.

How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal? - Dr. Neelum Ara

24 related questions found

Why experts now say not to remove your wisdom teeth?

Increased Awareness of Risks: Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure, and as with any surgery, risks are involved. In rare cases, these risks can include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and even death.

When can I stop worrying about food getting stuck in wisdom teeth holes?

After the first few days, avoid the empty socket when eating tougher foods until you find it comfortable to chew. It may take several weeks for the gum tissue to grow over the socket. Food will probably get stuck in the socket until it has fully closed.

Can I eat a sandwich 7 days after wisdom teeth removal?

Because you must avoid solid food for at least one week after your surgery, you need to ensure you are getting enough nutrients for your body. Try to plan and stock up on nutritious soups and broths. Ensure that you have enough food to eat after wisdom teeth removal that is soft and nutritious.

Can wisdom teeth holes reopen?

Although the bony anatomy in that area won't necessarily re-form or completely fill the socket in, you can expect the gum tissue (gingiva) over the opening to close it off entirely. If for any reason you continue to see a hole in your mouth after a tooth extraction, please see our dentist or an oral surgeon right away.

What is the white stuff in my wisdom teeth socket?

The white stuff that you might see forming around your tooth socket after a tooth extraction is called granulation tissue. This tissue is comprised of blood vessels, collagens and white blood cells, hence its white colour.

What is negative about removing wisdom teeth?

Nerve injury

Although far less common than dry socket, injury to sections of a nerve called the trigeminal nerve is another possible complication of wisdom tooth removal. It can cause pain, a tingling sensation and numbness in your tongue, lower lip, chin, teeth and gums.

What is the disadvantage of removing wisdom teeth?

Nerves and blood vessels can be damaged during the procedure. This can cause bleeding and usually temporary numbness in the tongue or face. In very rare cases serious infections may occur. Up to 1 out of 100 people may have permanent problems as a result of the procedure, such as numbness or damage to nearby teeth.

What are the cons of removing all wisdom teeth?

CON: The Risk of Surgical Complications

After the extraction, you will need to avoid drinking through a straw, spitting, and smoking among other things, as this could cause “dry socket”—a condition where blood clots fail to form or fall out prematurely, leaving the socket open to bacteria and food.

How do you clean wisdom teeth sockets?

how to clean out wisdom teeth holes. The day after surgery, you will rinse your mouth after each meal for 3 days with warm saltwater. On day 4, you will use the given plastic syringe to irrigate the lower sockets after each meal (3-5 times a day), if given to you.

Can I sleep on my side after wisdom teeth removal?

During the initial stages of healing, the tooth extraction site may ooze. Because of this, sleeping on your side is best, at least for the first night. Plus, if you lie flat on your back, you might experience more swelling. That could increase your pain and make resting an even greater challenge.

How do they pull a wisdom tooth?

Removing the wisdom tooth

If the tooth hasn't come through the gum, a small cut (incision) will be made in the gum to access it. A small piece of the bone covering the tooth may also need to be removed. The tooth may be cut into smaller parts to make it easier to remove through the opening.

Is wisdom tooth extraction a major surgery?

Wisdom teeth removal is considered major surgery. You will first be given a local anesthetic to numb your gums. Many patients also choose a form of sedation dentistry so that they are either conscious, minimally aware of the surgery, or completely asleep.

What are the benefits of having wisdom teeth?

Perhaps the biggest benefit of keeping healthy wisdom teeth is not having to go through oral surgery. For most patients, all four wisdom teeth are removed due to the placement of the teeth and issues they can present later on. When wisdom teeth are healthy, they do not have to be removed, so no surgery is needed.

Should I have my wisdom teeth removed at age 30?

X-rays and digital imaging help us determine whether there is hidden damage or the potential for infection if your teeth are left in place. The best way to avoid discomfort and potential complications when you are over 30 is to have your wisdom teeth removed between the ages of 16 and 30.

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

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. That said, the nature of your work makes a difference. If your job involves strenuous activity, your oral surgeon may recommend that you take more time off.

What happens if you leave your wisdom teeth in too long?

What happens if you don't remove impacted wisdom teeth? If your impacted wisdom teeth are causing pain and other symptoms, leaving them in place can be bad for your oral health. Impacted wisdom teeth are more prone to infection and abscesses — and they can cause damage, decay and disease to healthy teeth.

Can you get a hole in your sinus cavity after wisdom teeth removal?

Sinus involvement is common with upper molar extractions and procedures that are located at the back portion of the upper jaw. A sinus opening may occur because the bone which is shared between the tooth socket and the sinus is very thin, and may even be absent.

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.

When can I brush my teeth with toothpaste after an extraction?

Follow the dentist's recommendations. You typically can still brush your teeth but don't use any toothpaste for at least 3 to 4 days following the procedure.