Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Time, Tips, and Everything You Need to Know!

Every year, nearly 5 million people have their wisdom teeth removed. But no one really knows if the surgery was needed or not. 

Sometimes, wisdom teeth need not be extracted at all and the pain and discomfort can be sorted out with a few antibiotics or even over-the-counter medication. 

But unfortunately, nearly 10% of the third and final set of molars end up with an infection during their eruption.

At times, in the worst of cases, the gum or the site of impaction, develop cysts or even a terrible infection that can lead to other health complications. These infected and impacted teeth can also affect the teeth that are adjacent. 

Now, if you are considering removing your wisdom teeth and you are super sceptical about it, you don't have to be. It is, but natural to feel that way.

In this blog, we are going to talk about everything you need to know about this unpleasant and uninvited guest- The ‘Not-so-Wise-Tooth’. 

We are going to talk about the time wisdom teeth removal recovery takes, how to take care of the area of the extraction and also how to deal with all the pain and discomfort after your surgery.

When Do Wisdom Teeth Show Up and When Do You Actually Need to Take Them Out?

Wisdom teeth or the final set of molar teeth, usually grow at the back of your mouth almost at the corners. While for some people it may grow between the age group of 17 to 25, for others it may grow even after the age of 30 or 40. 

Wisdom teeth are notorious and are known to cause discomfort, pain, and the misalignment of your teeth. 

They tend to disturb the existing alignment of your teeth or even worse, affect the other adjacent teeth causing an infection or some kind of oral health issue. 

This is why taking them out seems to be a better option than just letting them grow by reducing the pain with antibiotics and medicines.

Although there may be a serious debate about whether or not to remove wisdom teeth preemptively, the answer to this discussion or debate is, there is no concrete solution. 

Sometimes it totally depends on the kind of treatment that is required or even whether the patient themselves want it to be removed.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction: How to Prepare For it!

It is important to understand the procedure and how to properly care for yourself before, during, and after the process. 

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common dental procedure that involves surgically removing one or more of the third molars from the upper and/or lower jaw. 

This procedure is typically done as a preventive measure to avoid potential complications associated with impacted wisdom teeth, such as infection, crowding of other teeth, and gum disease. 

As with any surgical procedure, it is important for patients to prepare properly for their wisdom teeth extraction. 

Depending on the individual case, preparation may include scheduling an initial consultation with an oral surgeon or dentist to discuss the specifics of the surgery and understand what will happen during and after the procedure. 

Additionally, it may be beneficial to take certain steps before undergoing wisdom teeth removal in order to ensure a successful outcome. 

These steps include getting enough rest before your appointment, 

• Avoiding food or drinks 8 hours prior to surgery (including chewing gum) 

• Arranging transportation home following surgery, stocking up on soft foods for post-surgery recovery meals 

• Preparing ice packs in advance for pain relief during recovery, and discussing any medications you are taking beforehand with your doctor or dentist.

In addition to physical preparations leading up to wisdom tooth extraction surgery. 

It is also important that individuals are mentally ready ahead of time by understanding both the risks associated with anaesthesia as well as potential side effects that can occur following surgery - such as 

• Swelling which can last anywhere from three days up to two weeks after treatment 

• Bleeding 

• Minor pain

• Dry socket (which can be very painful)

• Bruising and Nausea 

• Difficulty opening your mouth 

• Temporary loss of taste sensation due to numbness in parts of your mouth where incisions were made during surgery. 

Lastly, when preparing for wisdom tooth extraction it is essential that patients keep their regular follow-up appointments in order to check how well they are healing following the procedure and address any issues or questions they may have about recovering safely at home.

This includes being aware of signs indicating infection such as redness around extracted sites increasing beyond normal levels over 48 hours after treatment or feeling feverish due to worsening pain near extraction sites within 24 hours after treatment. 

By properly preparing yourself before undergoing wisdom tooth removal you can help reduce risks associated with anaesthesia while increasing chances not only for a smooth operation but also for a speedy recovery afterwards!

What to Expect During the Procedure?

The procedure of a particular medical or surgical treatment can be daunting. 

• It is important to understand the process so you can feel more comfortable when the time comes. 

• Knowing what to expect during the procedure will help you prepare mentally and emotionally for what lies ahead.

• During the procedure, you will likely be asked to sign a consent form indicating that you have read, understood, and agree to all of the risks associated with it. 

• Your doctor may also discuss your medical history and any medications you are currently taking in order to ensure that they are compatible with the procedure being performed. 

• Depending on the type of procedure, anaesthesia may need to be administered before it begins in order to reduce pain and discomfort throughout its duration.

• After this preparation is complete, your doctor will begin performing whatever treatment has been prescribed. 

• During this time, staff members may monitor your vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure in order to ensure that everything is going smoothly. 

• You should feel free to ask questions if anything seems unclear or if there is something causing anxiety during this part of the process. 

• After completion of the procedure, your doctor may provide instructions regarding post-procedure care and recovery period expectations.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Tips: Caring for the Extraction Site

After tooth extraction, it is important to care for the site properly in order to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection. 

The most important step is to keep the area clean by brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using an antibacterial mouthwash. 

Additionally, during wisdom teeth recovery time, you should avoid touching or manipulating the extraction site with your tongue or fingers as this can introduce bacteria into the wound. 

It is also important to eat soft foods and be mindful of not biting down on the extraction site as this can cause further damage or discomfort.

Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the extraction site can help reduce swelling and pain associated with extractions. 

However, you should never apply ice directly onto your skin as this can cause tissue damage and frostbite. 

Additionally, taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate any pain associated with extractions. 

If bleeding persists after 24 hours following your extraction, please contact your dentist immediately for further advice or treatment if necessary.

Following a tooth extraction it is also important that you consider what kinds of foods you are eating in order to give yourself adequate time to heal before resuming normal activities such as eating hard foods again that may cause discomfort at the extraction site. 

You should also limit physical activity such as sports or exercise during recovery time in order to ensure that there is enough time for proper healing without undue strain placed on the area from where teeth were extracted from. 

By following these steps, you will be able to promote healing more quickly and minimize any potential complications from improper care of an extraction site post-procedure.

Eating After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Eating after wisdom teeth removal can be a difficult transition, as it is important to follow your dentist's specific instructions in order to ensure that the healing process goes smoothly and quickly. 

Soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes are typically recommended for the first few days following surgery. 

The goal of these softer foods is to reduce inflammation and allow the gums to heal properly while still providing nutrition. 

In addition, eating cold or room-temperature food may help minimize any discomfort associated with eating after having your wisdom teeth removed.

As you continue to recover from surgery, it is essential to increase your intake of nutrient-rich foods that will aid in wound healing and reduce inflammation throughout your mouth. 

Foods high in vitamin C such as citrus fruits, broccoli, and tomatoes can help boost immunity during this time period. 

In addition, lean meats like chicken or fish provide necessary proteins for tissue repair as well as zinc for proper cell division which ultimately helps promote faster recovery times from surgery.

Lastly, it is important to remember that hydration plays an essential role in post-surgery healing processes; fluids help keep bacteria levels low in order to prevent infection as well as provide much-needed energy throughout your recovery period. 

Drinking plenty of water not only keeps you hydrated but also assists with digestion which makes consuming solid food easier on the stomach while allowing nutrients from food consumed during this time period to be absorbed more efficiently into the body's system overall.

Returning to Normal Activities After Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Time 

Returning to normal activities after surgery is an important part of the recovery process. It is important for the patient to take a gradual and sensible approach when getting back into their daily routines.

The first step in returning to normal activities after surgery should be talking with your doctor or healthcare team about what your plan should be. 

Depending on the type of surgery you have undergone, there may be certain restrictions as to which activities are safe for you to do and which should be avoided. 

Your doctor will also provide instructions on how much rest and exercise you should incorporate into your day-to-day regimen in order to aid the healing process.

In addition, it is important to listen carefully to your body during the recovery period and recognize any signs of pain or discomfort that indicate something may not yet be ready for strenuous activity. 

If at any point during this process, you feel tired or experience pain, it is advisable that you stop whatever activity it was that brought on the symptoms and talk with your doctor immediately. 

Taking a slow but steady approach toward resuming daily activities can help ensure a successful post-surgery recovery without putting too much strain on your body all at once.

Term Recovery from Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Term Recovery from Wisdom Teeth Extraction is a process that typically takes a few weeks for the patient to recover completely. 

During this period, it is important for the patient to take all prescribed medications and follow the instructions of their doctor closely.

The first stage of recovery involves managing pain and swelling. The patient can expect some discomfort during this stage, which can be alleviated by taking over-the-counter or prescription medications as instructed by the doctor. 

Additionally, applying ice packs to reduce swelling can help with healing and minimizing pain in the area where the surgery took place.

Within two weeks after wisdom teeth extraction, stitches will start to dissolve and fillings may need to be replaced or adjusted. 

It is important to eat soft foods during this period and avoid strenuous activities such as exercise in order to allow proper healing time. 

To prevent infection, patients should rinse their mouth with salt water or an antibacterial mouthwash several times per day until full recovery has been achieved.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wisdom teeth extraction is a common dental procedure that involves surgically removing one or more of the third molars from the upper and/or lower jaw. 

Preparing for this procedure in advance by getting enough rest, avoiding food or drinks 8 hours prior to surgery, arranging transportation home following surgery, and stocking up on soft foods for post-surgery recovery meals. 

Preparing ice packs in advance for pain relief during recovery, and discussing any medications you are taking beforehand with your doctor or dentist are essential steps towards ensuring a successful outcome. 

In addition to these physical preparations, understanding both the risks associated with anaesthesia as well as the potential side effects that can occur following surgery is equally important. 

Lastly, it is essential to follow all post-operative instructions including eating soft foods and limiting physical activity in order to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection after wisdom teeth removal. 

By properly preparing yourself before undergoing wisdom tooth extraction you can help reduce risks associated with anaesthesia while increasing chances not only for a smooth operation but also for a speedy recovery afterwards!