Wisdom teeth, the third set of molars located at the back of your mouth, typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. For many, this eruption brings about pain, swelling, and potential complications that require extraction.
Understanding what the healing process after wisdom tooth removal looks like is essential for managing expectations, ensuring proper recovery, and preventing complications. This article provides a detailed look at what wisdom teeth healing should look like, step by step, so you can confidently navigate the recovery process.
Introduction
The removal of wisdom teeth is one of the most common dental procedures, especially for individuals between the ages of 17 and 25. Although it is a routine surgery, the recovery process can be somewhat challenging. Understanding the stages of healing and what to expect during each phase can make the process smoother and less stressful.
In this article, we will walk you through what the healing process should look like after wisdom tooth extraction, from the first 24 hours to full recovery. We’ll cover what you should see, what you might feel, and how to care for your mouth during each stage to ensure the best possible outcome.
Immediately After Surgery: The First 24 Hours
1. Bleeding Control
Right after the surgery, it’s common to experience some bleeding, which is typically controlled with gauze placed over the extraction site.
You will be instructed to bite down gently on the gauze to apply pressure. Some bleeding or oozing can continue for the first few hours, and it should gradually decrease.
You may also experience a pinkish tinge to your saliva, which is normal, especially in the first few hours. However, if you experience heavy bleeding or the bleeding doesn’t slow down after a few hours, it’s important to contact your dentist or oral surgeon.
2. Pain and Swelling
Pain and swelling are expected and usually begin to peak within the first 48 to 72 hours. Your dentist will likely prescribe pain medication to help manage discomfort. It’s also common to have swelling around the area of the extraction. Ice packs can help reduce swelling during the first 24 hours. Applying ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, with 20-minute breaks in between, can be effective.
3. Numbness
After the procedure, your mouth will likely be numb due to the anesthesia used during the surgery. The numbness will wear off over the next few hours, but you might feel some residual tingling. Avoid eating or drinking until the numbness fully subsides to prevent accidental injury to your mouth or biting your cheek.
The First Week: What to Expect
1. Continued Swelling and Discomfort
During the first few days following surgery, it’s normal for swelling to peak before gradually subsiding. You may notice bruising around the jaw or neck, which is a result of the procedure but should resolve in a few days. Swelling typically starts to decrease after about 48 hours but can last for up to a week. Your pain may also intensify during the first two days and gradually diminish after that.
To help manage pain and swelling, continue to apply cold compresses to your face and take prescribed medications as directed. Avoid vigorous physical activities that can increase blood flow to the area and cause additional swelling.
2. Dry Socket Risk
One of the more serious complications that can arise in the first week is dry socket. This occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket is dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves. Dry socket can be very painful and delay the healing process. To minimize the risk of dry socket:
Avoid sucking motions (e.g., smoking, using a straw) for at least a week.
Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions closely.
Keep your mouth clean but avoid vigorous rinsing.
3. Eating and Drinking
For the first few days, you will need to stick to a soft-food diet. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the extraction site.
Foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies are good options. Remember to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, but avoid using straws as the suction can disrupt the healing blood clot.
Two Weeks to One Month: The Healing Continues
1. Reducing Pain and Swelling
By the end of the first week, most of the pain and swelling should start to subside. If you are still experiencing significant discomfort, it’s important to follow up with your dentist to ensure there are no complications, such as infection or dry socket.
You should feel increasingly comfortable as the healing process continues, and by the second week, the majority of the discomfort should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. If your pain becomes severe or unusual, it’s important to consult your dentist promptly.
2. Oral Hygiene and Care
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during recovery, but it’s important to be gentle in the extraction area. After the first 24 hours, you can start gently rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution to help keep the site clean. Avoid using mouthwash with alcohol or harsh chemicals during the first week, as it can irritate the wound and slow healing.
Brushing your teeth should continue, but take care to avoid the extraction sites directly. A soft toothbrush will help avoid disturbing the healing gums.
3. Stitches
If your dentist used stitches that are not self-dissolving, you may need to return for a follow-up visit to have them removed.
However, many wisdom tooth removal procedures use dissolving stitches that will fall out on their own within a few weeks.
One Month to Three Months: Full Recovery
1. Decreased Discomfort
By the time a month has passed, most of the initial discomfort should have resolved. While you may still feel some tenderness around the extraction sites, particularly when chewing, this should not be severe.
Most patients can return to their normal diet and activities within this period, but continue to avoid hard or sticky foods until the area is fully healed.
2. Gums Fully Healing
The gums will continue to heal and close over the extraction sites. This process may take a few weeks, and the bone underneath will also continue to heal. The entire area should be free of noticeable swelling by this point, although mild tenderness may persist for some time.
3. Bone Healing
While the soft tissue typically heals in a few weeks, the bone underneath takes longer to fully heal. For some, it may take up to 3-6 months for the bone to fully regenerate and settle. During this time, you may still feel slight sensitivity in the area, but this should gradually fade.
What to Watch for During the Healing Process
While the healing process is usually straightforward, there are a few signs you should watch for, as they could indicate complications:
Severe pain that doesn’t improve: Persistent or increasing pain could indicate infection, dry socket, or other issues.
Fever: A fever can be a sign of infection, and it’s important to contact your dentist if you experience one.
Excessive bleeding: If bleeding continues beyond the first 24 hours or becomes heavy again, seek immediate care.
Conclusion
The healing process after wisdom tooth removal varies from person to person but generally follows a predictable timeline.
In the first few days, you’ll experience swelling and pain, which will begin to improve by the end of the first week. By the end of a month, the majority of the healing will be complete, with some residual bone and gum healing continuing for several months.
