What Day is the Hardest for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is an important surgical process that involves the removal of impacted teeth. Special care is required following the removal of wisdom teeth. Strict adherence to instruction and proper care following wisdom teeth removal can help reduce unnecessary pain, swelling and infection complications.

Recovery after wisdom teeth removal depends on various factors such as the severity of impaction, overall health, and the technique used by the surgeon. In other words, the wisdom teeth removal recovery time usually depends on your case. Most patients return to their routine after wisdom teeth removal in 5 to 6 days.

After removing your wisdom teeth, it is okay to experience a bit of swelling, discomfort, minimal bleeding, and jaw stiffness. However, if you notice excessive bleeding, swelling, pain and other dental symptoms , get in touch with Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in West Hollywood.

Recovery Timeline and Wisdom Teeth Extraction Healing Process

1. Days 1-2:  Wisdom tooth extraction is a same-day surgery and does not require overnight hospital admission. This procedure can be done under general anesthetic or IV sedation. Once completely awake after your surgery, you are set to go home with a designated driver, friend, or family member.

Mild to moderate nausea and pain in the jaw and mouth are symptoms patients commonly experience on the day of the surgery. Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or a prescription pain reliever will help you manage this. Some mild bleeding will occur at the site where your tooth was removed, and you will typically notice light bruises around the mouth and neck.

The body's natural response to surgery is swelling around the mouth and cheeks. On the day after surgery, you can anticipate some minor swelling. To reduce discomfort and lessen the duration of swelling, you can place cold packs on both sides of your cheek.

For the first two days after wisdom teeth removal, limiting your physical activity as much as possible and allowing your body to heal is important. You can spend this time at home sleeping or lounging on the couch. During this period, avoiding actions that can irritate the surgery area is also important. Actions like aggressively rinsing your mouth, spitting, or using a drinking straw should be avoided. You should also try to drink more water and eat soft, liquid foods with lots of protein.

2. Days 3-4:  During this period, swelling will be at its greatest, but the sharp pain will gradually dull to general soreness. You may develop difficulties fully opening your mouth. Don't be alarmed, as this will quickly pass.

It is important to keep extraction areas clean, and doing so requires good oral hygiene. After the wisdom teeth removal, it is important to follow your surgeon's instructions on oral hygiene. Rinsing gently with warm salt water or mouthwash is advised. It is also important to note that during this period, the surgical sites will begin to manufacture collagen ahead of the development of new gum tissue. Caution is therefore required when cleaning your teeth to ensure that you don't disturb these sites.

Still possible during this period are minor to moderate bruising and edema. Keep up a constant diet of healthy meals like soup, cottage cheese, yogurt, protein shakes, and apple sauce shakes while avoiding severe exertion, bending or lifting.

3. Days 5-7:  Most of the edema, redness, and discomfort should have subsided by this point. Be sure to complete your antibiotic prescription if you were prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection. At this stage of the recovery period, the majority of patients are capable of getting back to their regular routines, including exercise, and after seven days of recovery, they are also ready to switch back to their regular diet.

You could notice small bits of sutures when you rinse as your sutures dissolve over time. Contact Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery West Hollywood if you have a fever or see persistent bleeding, leaking, or symptoms of pus.

Infection after surgery, dry socket, nerve damage, and sinus communication are the potential complications that might occur with having wisdom teeth removed. Fortunately, these complications are rare, and by carefully adhering to your surgeon's post-operative instructions, you can prevent these uncommon unanticipated consequences.

Some days following wisdom teeth removal are harder as patients may experience more pain and discomfort compared to other points in their recovery period. Fortunately, this period is short-lived and quickly passes. To learn more about wisdom tooth extraction , contact Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery West Hollywood today or call 310-275-3635.