A wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure done to remove the last set of molars to emerge in the mouth. The pain, discomfort and swelling that patients experience after the procedure is part of the healing and recovery process. One question many patients ask is how long recovery takes, and this article answers that question and what recovery entails.
Wisdom teeth, also called the third molars, are the last molars to erupt. These teeth are not present in everyone; neither are they vital for a healthy, beautiful smile. However, they may become problematic if they erupt wrongly.
When these molars emerge, often between ages 16 and 20, there may not be enough space on the jaw for them to come out fully. Therefore, they may erupt at an angle, crowding the mouth and may sometimes not erupt completely. This can lead to oral health issues such as pain and infection. Most wisdom tooth removal requires a type of surgery. After the procedure, recovery starts.
After undergoing wisdom tooth extraction, patients will likely experience pain and swelling. Slight bleeding may also occur. As healing progresses, patients must be careful not to disturb the healing gums or dislodge the blood clot. It is better to avoid solid foods, alcohol, coffee, soda or hot beverages for a few days following the procedure. Brushing is also not an option on the first day of recovery.
Normal wisdom teeth recovery time is between three to four days, although it can take up to a week. The duration of recovery depends mostly on the severity of tooth impaction and angle of the eruption. Patients can take different measures to make the recovery period easier:
The dentist will provide instructions on how to properly care for the oral cavity throughout the recovery period. The patient may be told not to brush, floss, spit or rinse their mouth for at least 24 hours. After that, brushing should be done gently. Rinsing the mouth with salt water regularly can help to clean the mouth and prevent infection. Throughout recovery, a diet of soft foods, including apple sauce, yogurt and cottage cheese is recommended. Patients can start with the soft food after surgery and slowly progress to semi-soft food as healing continues.
After wisdom tooth extraction, the recovery period may last for several days, and sometimes swelling and discomfort may continue for a week or more. If you notice strange symptoms such as severe pain, fever or pus discharge, contact our Oregon City office as soon as possible. Although complications like infections are rare, they may occur and typically require prompt treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.beavercreekdental.net or call Beavercreek Dental at (503) 342-2020 for an appointment in our Oregon City office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Oregon City, OR.
Dental implants are excellent options for restoring dental function and aesthetics in patients with missing teeth. However, the process does not end after the implant placement. The long-term condition of your mouth determines the success of the treatment. If you want to maintain good oral health and thus, your implants, this article explores a few…
Dental implants can replace all or a few missing teeth. One of their most attractive benefits is that they can last a lifetime with proper care. However, the dental implant process can take longer than some people realize. Here is a breakdown of the process and what patients can expect.Before one can receive dental implants,…
Many have heard of Invisalign®, a type of clear aligner treatment. However, fewer are familiar with lingual braces and how they work. This review offers an in-depth look at Invisalign vs. lingual braces with insights into the pros and cons of each option and when one might be preferable to another. Invisalign and lingual braces both…
Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically implanted in the jawbone and act as artificial tooth roots. Dentists can use these posts to support replacement teeth such as crowns, dentures, or bridges, restoring the appearance and function of your smile. However, not all dental implants are created equal. There are several types of dental implants,…
