Although it’s believed that our ancestors evolved wisdom teeth out of necessity for survival, today, these third molars are considered a vestigial feature because they’re no longer required or beneficial.
In fact, they tend to cause plenty of problems, so they are removed more often than not. But it’s natural to have questions about your extraction procedure, such as what to expect during recovery. Continue reading to learn more about it so you can prevent potential complications!
What Can I Expect from Wisdom Tooth Recovery?
Your dentist will provide a comprehensive list of instructions for you to follow, which are intended to help you mend as effectively as possible while avoiding adverse effects. For example, your mouth must form a blood clot at the extraction site(s) to prevent a painful complication known as dry socket.
Continue reading below to learn more about what to expect as you heal.
The First 24 Hours
You’ll be numbed and/or sedated for your procedure to help prevent discomfort so that you feel calm and relaxed throughout your extraction. That means most patients don’t need to worry about potential throbbing or other concerns until after their appointment, as the medications wear off.
Then, it’s normal to experience some bleeding, swelling, and aches in the first 24 hours following your procedure. You can change the gauze over your gums periodically to keep it clean, and you can rinse your mouth gently with water to remove bacteria, blood, or debris rather than brush and floss, which can cause additional irritation or damage the clot that must form.
The First Several Days
You can probably expect to feel tender and inflamed for the first several days, though this often peaks on the 3rd day after your extraction, then begins to gradually subside on its own. During this time, it’s usually recommended that patients stick to softer, blander foods that are easier to eat, such as yogurt, ice cream, applesauce, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs.
In many cases, placing an ice pack against the sore side of your face for about 15 minutes can help alleviate aches and puffiness. You might also manage symptoms with over-the-counter meds, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or numbing oral gel.
The First Week
It can vary based on your circumstances, but many people find that associated aches and inflammation begin to subside after the first week. If you had stitches placed, your dentist will likely schedule an appointment around this time to remove them.
After two weeks, all associated soreness and swelling should dissipate. If you experience chronic or lasting pain that worsens rather than improves over time, please contact your provider so they can ensure you haven’t developed an infection or other issue.
About the Practice
Patients at Meadowvale Family Dentistry benefit from two dentists who share decades of combined experience. Dr. Patel and Dr. Ip are passionate about helping people of all ages build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums, and collaborate to deliver a comprehensive menu of services, including wisdom tooth extractions. They prioritize patient care and comfort, and utilize advanced technology to deliver accurate, long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (905) 821-0011.