How Long Does it Take to Recover from Extraction of Wisdom Teeth? – Exploring Facts

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the final set of adult teeth to appear in your mouth. They typically emerge on the upper and lower jaws on both sides, generally between the ages of 17 and 21.

Each year, approximately 5 million wisdom tooth extractions are performed in the United States. In about half of these cases, all four wisdom teeth are removed.

Knowing how long does it take to recover from extraction of wisdom teeth can help you recover faster and ensure smooth healing.

Why are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

You might need to have your wisdom teeth removed if you:

• Have one or more impacted wisdom teeth, meaning they are partially or fully trapped in your gums or jawbone.
• Have wisdom teeth that have grown in crooked or sideways.
• Accumulate food and debris around your wisdom teeth.
• Develop gum disease, especially around your molars.
• Have tooth decay (cavities) in a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
• Develop a cyst (a fluid-filled sac) around one or more wisdom teeth.
• Have damage to nearby teeth or the surrounding bone.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Extraction of Wisdom Teeth?

After a wisdom tooth extraction surgery, it takes about 7 to 10 days for the swelling to go down and about 2 weeks to recover completely. 

Here is a general timeline of how long it takes to recover from extraction of wisdom teeth. 

Day 1

Wisdom tooth extraction surgery usually takes about an hour. The oral surgeon will administer either local or general anesthesia before starting the procedure. As the anesthesia wears off after surgery, you’ll gradually regain sensation in your mouth.

Common symptoms to expect include:

• Swelling, pain, and some bleeding in your mouth
• Swelling and mild bruising on your cheeks
• Trismus, also known as Lockjaw
• An unusual taste in your mouth
• A sensation of numbness, tingling, or reduced feeling in your mouth, cheeks, or face.

It's essential that you have someone with you who can drive you back home following the surgery. If you encounter severe pain or excessive bleeding, promptly contact your oral surgeon for urgent medical assistance.

Days 2 - 4

Over the next few days, you may notice increased swelling, pain, and bruising in your mouth and cheeks. Dentists recommend taking at least 1-2 days off from work or school to rest.

Gradually, your symptoms will peak and then begin to improve. Once they become manageable, you can return to work or school.

If you experience a significant increase in pain, bleeding, or oozing at the extraction site, get in touch with your oral surgeon or a healthcare professional immediately.

Days 5 - 14

By the end of the first week, most people are nearing the end of their recovery. At this stage, you may experience:

• Minimal swelling, bruising, and discomfort in your mouth and cheeks.
• Jaw movement returns to nearly normal.
• Sensations like tingling, bleeding, or unusual tastes in your mouth cease.
• Gradual resumption of physical activities.

If your wisdom teeth were impacted, erupted at an awkward angle, or there were complications during surgery, your recovery might take up to two weeks.

Factors that Affect Recovery Time

Type & Size of the Tooth

The complexity of the extraction, whether simple or surgical, can affect healing time. Larger teeth, like molars, require a more invasive approach, which is why it takes longer to heal from a wisdom tooth extraction. 

Complexity of the Procedure

More complex extractions, such as removing impacted wisdom teeth, take longer to heal due to greater disturbance of the surrounding tissue.

Your Age

Younger patients generally experience faster healing due to better regenerative capabilities compared to older adults.

Aftercare & Compliance

Follow post-extraction care instructions carefully, such as avoiding irritating foods, using prescribed medications, and maintaining good oral hygiene. These instructions play a major role in how long does it take to recover from the extraction of wisdom teeth. 

Overall Health

Systemic factors like uncontrolled diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and other health diseases can slow down the healing process.

Tips to Recover Quickly After Extraction of Wisdom Teeth

• Follow Post-Operative Instructions: Follow the instructions given after your surgery closely. These guidelines are intended to support healing and reduce the risk of complications.
• Manage Pain & Swelling: Use prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Apply ice packs to your face intermittently during the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling.
• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Starting 24 hours after surgery, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). Avoid vigorous rinsing to protect the blood clot from dislodging.
• Stick to a Soft Diet: Consume soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies.
• Stay Hydrated: Stay well-hydrated by drinking ample water, but refrain from using straws to prevent suction that could dislodge the blood clot and potentially cause a dry socket.
• Get Plenty of Rest: Take at least 1-2 days off from work or school to rest and allow your body to focus on healing.

Bottomline

Wisdom tooth extraction is quite a common procedure that addresses or prevents issues with the final set of molars. Recovery typically spans about one week, though for some individuals, it may extend to two weeks.

Getting your wisdom teeth extracted can be daunting. That is why the experts at Stoney Trail Dental employ the latest technologies to streamline the procedure. 

Book your appointment today and get your wisdom teeth checked out! 

FAQs

How long does the pain last after a wisdom tooth extraction?

Pain typically lasts for a few days to a week after wisdom tooth extraction.

How many days off does a person need after a wisdom tooth extraction?

It's recommended to take at least 1-2 days off from work or school to rest after a wisdom tooth extraction.