Many of us have experienced wisdom teeth removal at some point. This occurs mostly by the end of teenage years and initial adulthood years, around 17 to 25 years of age. It’s a quick and painless dental procedure that won’t take you much longer. When you need this procedure, you probably wonder, “How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?”
So, how much time it requires to heal?
Wisdom teeth are your back molars and the last ones to grow in your mouth. Most people have them on both top and bottom jaws on each side of their mouth. You face problems when you don’t have enough space in your jaws for these teeth to grow in without affecting their neighboring teeth.
In this circumstance and for most people, your dentist recommends a wisdom teeth removal procedure. This procedure is a dental surgery that requires about a week to heal. And yes, recovery takes longer if your teeth haven’t emerged from the gums.
The Healing Process
Wisdom teeth surgery will heal gradually, but people should see some improvement every day. The healing process is divided into the following stages:
- First 24 hours: Blood clots will form.
- 2 to 3 days: Swelling of the cheeks and gums should improve.
- 7 days: Your dentist can remove any stitches that still remain.
- 8 to 10 days: Jaw stiffness and soreness should go away.
- 2 weeks: Any mild bruising on the face should heal.
Recovery time varies from person to person. If blood clots are freed from the wound, or it gets infected, recovery may take longer. Therefore, it is important to know “what to eat after wisdom teeth removal” and maintain good overall oral hygiene.
How to Speed Up Healing
Following are the habits that you can do to speed up your healing during your wisdom teeth recovery:
- Hold up for the first few days. You can most likely continue normal activities after the first day, but it would be best to wait for about a week.
- Apply an ice pack over your jaw and cheeks to help with swelling. The cold from the ice pack helps to reduce the inflammation that comes with it.
- For pain management, you can take a pain reliever prescribed by your oral surgeon.
- After the first day, gently rinse your mouth with salt water a few times per day to prevent infection and keep it clean.
- Avoid hard foods and maintain good overall oral hygiene.
Takeaway
Wisdom teeth removal is a procedure you should take seriously but not something to fear. The recovery period usually takes a few days, and in some cases, a week. You can help with pain and swelling by following your dentist’s instructions and taking prescribed medicines on time. Don’t hesitate to call your dentist or oral surgeon (What type of dentist removes wisdom teeth?) if you notice any unusual symptoms after your surgery. They will help you get on the quick road to healing and back to a healthy and bright smile.
