What To Expect After Having Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted

If you are scheduled to have your wisdom teeth extracted, you may be wondering what to expect after the procedure. Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people develop in their late teens or early twenties. They are often removed because they can cause problems such as pain, infection, crowding, or damage to other teeth.

The recovery process after wisdom teeth extraction varies depending on the number of teeth extracted, the location, and the condition of the teeth, as well as the type of anesthesia used and the individual's healing ability. However, some general guidelines can help you prepare for a smooth and comfortable recovery.

Here are some things to expect after wisdom teeth extractions:

Transportation Assistance and Supervision

Immediately following your surgery, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least a few hours. You may feel groggy, dizzy, or nauseous from the anesthesia, so you should not drive or operate any machinery until it wears off completely.

Bleeding and Clotting

You may have some bleeding in your mouth for the first 24 hours. You can control it by biting gently on a gauze pad or a moistened tea bag. Change the gauze or tea bag every 30 minutes or as needed. Avoid spitting, aggressive rinsing, or drinking through a straw as these can displace the blood clot that forms in the socket and delay healing.

Swelling and Bruising

You may have some swelling and bruising around your jaw and cheeks for a few days. You can reduce it by applying ice packs to the affected area for 15 minutes or so at a time, several times a day. After a couple of days, you can switch to warm compresses to help with the healing.

Minor Pain and Discomfort

You may have some pain and discomfort for a few days. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, or prescription painkillers if your dentist or oral surgeon prescribed them. Follow the instructions on the label and do not exceed the recommended dose. Avoid taking aspirin, as it can increase bleeding.

Diet and Nutrition

You will need to eat soft foods for a few days. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, sticky, or spicy, as these can irritate the surgical site or get stuck in the socket. Some examples of soft foods include soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pudding, smoothies, and ice cream. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but avoid using a straw or drinking alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks.

Oral Hygiene and Infection Prevention

You will need to keep your mouth clean and prevent infection. Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding the extraction site. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day, especially after meals. Do not use mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide, as these can harm the healing tissue. If you notice any signs of infection such as fever, pus, foul smell, or severe pain, contact your dentist or oral surgeon right away.

Follow-up Visit

You may need to follow up with your dentist or oral surgeon after a week or two. During a follow-up visit, they will check your healing progress and remove any stitches if needed. They may also give you some tips on how to prevent future problems with any remaining wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth extractions are a common dental procedure that can improve your oral health and comfort. If you are having problems with your wisdom teeth, contact the San Diego Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Our staff can assess the state of your wisdom teeth and perform extractions if necessary. In addition, we can provide specific after-care instructions to help you enjoy a smooth and speedy recovery.