What are the side effects of getting your wisdom teeth removed?

Asked by: Nicholas Will Sr.  |  Last update: August 12, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (62 votes)

Here are a few of the most common complications after wisdom teeth removal:
  • Pain and swelling. It's common to experience some pain and swelling in the days following your wisdom teeth removal. ...
  • Limited mouth opening (aka trismus) ...
  • Dry socket. ...
  • Nerve injury. ...
  • Excessive bleeding. ...
  • Sinus opening.

What are the side effects of wisdom teeth removal long term?

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.

How long does it take to heal from wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth removal recovery: Timeline, healing, and care. After surgery to remove a wisdom tooth, it may take 7–10 days for the swelling to go down and 2 weeks to recover fully. Caring for the wound — for instance by using a rinse from 24 hours after surgery — may help it heal.

What are the risks of getting your wisdom teeth removed?

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.

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.

Are there any side effect of having my wisdom teeth removed? Ask Dr Vadivel Board certified surgeon

25 related questions found

Should I get 2 or 4 wisdom teeth removed?

Some people don't feel the negative effects of wisdom teeth until their thirties, but it is much easier to recover post-surgery the younger you are. It's also more cost-effective to get all four teeth removed at once, so it's better for your body and your wallet to lose all four wisdom teeth at the same time.

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 not to eat after wisdom teeth removal?

During your recovery from wisdom teeth extraction surgery, avoid eating these foods and beverages:
  • POPCORN.
  • Acidic foods and drinks (lemon juice, orange juice, vinegar, etc.)
  • Spicy foods.
  • Alcohol.
  • Small grains, nuts, and seeds (rice, quinoa, poppyseed bagels, sunflower seeds, etc.)
  • Crunchy foods (crackers, chips, etc.)

Can I brush my teeth after wisdom teeth removal?

On the same day of surgery, you should not brush near the extraction site. However, you should start normal brushing again the very next day, according to the American Dental Association. You will certainly want to be careful and gentle, but you should resume full brushing the day right after wisdom tooth extraction.

Can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?

Lukewarm beverages are best, because you may experience temperature sensitivity. Yogurt, pudding, applesauce and Jell-O are some go-to recovery foods: no chewing involved! Stick to these post-extraction staples for the first 24 hours after your surgery before moving on to soft foods that require chewing.

What is the worse day of wisdom teeth removal?

The sutures in your mouth are resorbable and usually stay in place for 7-10 days, but are sometimes lost earlier. The pain and swelling should subside more and more each day following surgery. The second day following surgery is usually the worst day for swelling.

What foods can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?

For 3 to 5 Days. Generally, you'll want to stick to liquids and soft, mushy foods for 3 to 5 days, including: Blended soups (easy to eat, nutrient-rich and hydrating) Broths (full of essential vitamins and minerals to aid recovery)

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.

How long does it take for wisdom teeth holes to fill in?

The gum tissue should close off the extraction site within a matter of days. Within about two weeks, there should be a smooth texture over the socket that matches the gingiva (gum tissues) surrounding it. Underneath the gingiva, however, it may be around a few months before the socket starts to close.

When can I drink water 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.

How should you sleep after wisdom teeth removal?

Sleep with Your Head Elevated

Sleeping with your head elevated after wisdom tooth removal is important because it helps reduce swelling and promotes healing. Elevating your head helps to reduce post-operative discomfort by draining fluids away from the extraction site and prevents any further buildup of fluids.

Can I eat mac and cheese after wisdom teeth removal?

Pasta is totally doable if you prepare it right. Macaroni and cheese is perfect because you can swallow the tiny noodles whole or chew them with your front teeth. You can also overcook your pasta noodles to make sure they are soft and easy to chew.

How long can I eat and drink after wisdom teeth removal?

About an hour after surgery, you may remove the gauze sponges that have been placed in your mouth and have something to eat. Be sure to eat foods that are soft for the first 24 hours after surgery. Avoid hot foods and drinks for several hours after surgery. Also do not drink from a straw for at least 24 hours.

Can I eat ramen after wisdom teeth removal?

Although not quite pasta, foods like Ramen noodles are also acceptable when taken alongside a broth – do be mindful that anything too hot can also cause problems at any wisdom tooth extractions' site, so tepid is the way to go until your recovery is further advanced.

How can I make my wisdom teeth heal faster?

Read below for 8 tips on faster recovery from the Downtown Sleep Dentistry and Oral Surgery team.
  1. Apply ice to the swelling. ...
  2. Use a hot compress. ...
  3. Sip drinks. ...
  4. Eat soft foods. ...
  5. Apply pressure inside your mouth. ...
  6. Follow directions for medications. ...
  7. Maintain oral care once recommended. ...
  8. Rest.

How long does it take for wisdom teeth to heal with stitches?

The healing time of stitches on wisdom teeth varies; some may fall out within a few weeks, while it can take months for others to dissolve fully. According to the dentists, sutures should mostly remain fixed in place for at least 10 to 15 days and then dissolve in the body.

Can I run 2 days after wisdom teeth removal?

In the case of upper wisdom teeth, for example, you can go back to some light exercise, such as stretching, five days after the extraction. In the case of lower wisdom teeth, you will have to wait for about ten days before you can go back to exercising.

Are you awake during wisdom teeth removal?

You will be fully awake during your procedure but you won't be able to feel any pain. You may feel some pressure but it shouldn't hurt.

Is it painful to have your wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom tooth extraction in experienced hands is generally a quick and painless procedure. Before any procedure starts I always ensure that you have sufficient anesthetic so that you won't feel any form of discomfort.

Why do they pull wisdom teeth?

When wisdom teeth cause problems, or X-rays show they might down the line, they need to come out. Other good reasons to take them out include: Damage to other teeth: That extra set of molars can push your other teeth around, causing mouth pain and bite problems.