Healing After Wisdom Tooth Extractions
After a wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to rest, follow the instructions of your oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) and give your body a chance to recover from the surgery. Here are a few ways you can help ensure successful healing.
What to Do After Wisdom Tooth Surgery
Immediately after surgery, you will spend some time in your surgeon’s office until the effects of the anesthesia wear off to the point where it is safe to go home. Your OMS will provide postoperative instructions including guidelines concerning what to eat, how to manage pain and discomfort, reduce swelling and control bleeding. They also will recommend or prescribe necessary medications.
The First Days after Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Swelling, pain and discomfort are common during the first few days after surgery. You may experience light bleeding. These symptoms gradually improve over time.
You may use an ice pack intermittently for the first 48 to 72 hours to help reduce swelling and discoloration of the skin. Moist heat can be helpful after 72 hours if your jaw is still sore.
Additionally, try to gently open and close your mouth to help exercise the jaws and restore normal movement. Your OMS can provide instructions on what to eat and drink following surgery, but it’s a good rule of thumb to eat soft food and drink plenty of liquids. Do not use a straw during the first few days after surgery as the suction could disturb the blood clots. Eating hard, crunchy foods and smoking should both be avoided.
You may resume brushing your teeth the day after surgery but avoid brushing directly over the surgical sites. Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously for the first few days. Gentle rinsing with salt water can help promote healing. Aggressively rinsing or swishing the areas too early may disrupt the clotting and healing process.
It is recommended for most patients to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol). Your OMS may also prescribe pain medications and a mouthwash.
Initial Healing Phase (1-2 weeks)
After about a week, the surgical site begins to regenerate new tissue to close the site. Clot formation is an important part of the early healing process. Be careful not to injure the surgical site because if the clot dissolves or becomes dislodged, a painful condition called dry socket may develop. Practice good oral hygiene by continuing to gently brush your teeth, rinse your mouth with warm salt water (or mouthwash if prescribed by your OMS) and avoid the use of straws.
Subsequent Healing Phase (2-4 weeks)
As the weeks pass, the surgical site should continue to heal. Swelling, pain and discomfort should subside gradually. Each person’s healing process may differ. Some people recover more quickly, while others take longer to fully heal. Your OMS may provide a plastic irrigating syringe for you to help remove food debris from the surgical sites. Flush the sites regularly as directed till you notice food no longer becomes lodged in the extraction sites.
Unique Healing for Each Surgical Site
Remember that each surgical site is a separate operation. If you have all four wisdom teeth extracted at once, you will have four areas that need healing. Each location has its own healing schedule and may progress differently. Follow the specific instructions of your OMS for each location.
Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments during the healing process. These visits allow your OMS to monitor your healing progress, address your concerns and ensure everything is going as expected.
If you experience severe or persistent pain, excessive bleeding, swelling or other symptoms of concern, contact your OMS immediately. They can support you through your recovery and resolve any issues that arise.
