How long does pain after wisdom tooth extraction last?
Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common dental surgeries. Almost everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth extracted at some point in their lives. Luckily enough, wisdom tooth extraction isn’t complicated or risky, and wisdom teeth aren’t particularly useful. Having said that, people often avoid emergency wisdom tooth extraction and suffer from immense dental pains because they’re scared of the recovery process and downtime.
Are you wondering, “how long does pain after wisdom tooth extraction last?” If so, we have great news for you! You can expect some pain and swelling from the wisdom tooth extraction to last for about 3 to 7 days, depending on the type of extraction necessary and your body’s natural healing process. However, thanks to over-the-counter pain medications, you don’t have to suffer through that pain. Most dentists recommend a healthy dose of painkillers to provide comfort during the recovery process.
What Is the recovery time after wisdom tooth extraction?
The recovery time after wisdom teeth removal varies from one individual to the next. In some cases, patients need stitches to close the wounds, which may be removed after a week. In some cases, you may have additional swelling, bruising, and pain. However, the recovery process is usually gradual and may extend for a week or two.
The following is a brief timeline of the wisdom teeth removal recovery process:
- You’ll have to place an antiseptic gauze in the empty socket for a few hours to encourage blood clot formation. The blood clots will form within 24 hours.
- You should be extremely careful not to dislodge the blood clot because that will lead to a “dry socket,” which can be extremely painful.
- The swelling in your mouth and cheeks will gradually improve over two to three days.
- You may have a follow-up appointment wherein the dentist removes the sutures within seven days.
- The soreness and jaw stiffness will completely dissipate within 10 days.
- Even those with the slowest healing processes will heal completely within 2 weeks.
The wisdom teeth removal recovery process is different for different people. However, there are some things you can actively do or avoid to speed up the recovery process. The most important consideration is maintaining the blood clots in your mouth because they prevent excessive bleeding, protect the open wounds from infections, allow tissue growth, and generally speed up the recovery process.
During the first 24 hours after the wisdom tooth extraction, the blood clots are particularly sensitive. You have to be extra careful during this period to avoid dislodging the blood clots. You should follow these tips and advise:
- Don’t brush your teeth near the wisdom tooth extraction site for a day.
- Don’t rinse your mouth because the pressure may dislodge the blood clot.
- Don’t drink anything hot.
- Don’t eat anything crunchy or hard.
- Don’t make any sucking motions, either on straws or cigarettes.
- Don’t drink alcohol or smoke for at least 24 hours.
What can you do immediately after wisdom tooth surgery?
You must always follow your dentist’s advice regarding the wisdom teeth removal recovery process. The dentist will provide clear and precise information on the next steps following dental extraction surgery. The following is an overview of common tips your dentist may provide:
- Bite down on an antiseptic gauze pad in the extraction site for half-an-hour to avoid excessive bleeding.
- Use an ice pack to control the swelling for the first few hours after the surgery. You can hold the ice pack against your extraction site for about 15 minutes, then keep it off for another 15 minutes, and repeat this process.
- You should ideally take a day or two off work.
- The wisdom tooth extraction is generally done under general anesthesia, so you may not be able to drive for the next 48 hours.
- You can take painkillers, like ibuprofen, to control the pain and discomfort.
Besides the dentist’s recommendations, you should also take care to aid in the recovery process. You must keep the wound clean to ensure smooth healing. While it’s okay to eat and drink, you should avoid doing so from the side of the mouth with the extracted tooth, and you should stick to cold and soft foods, like ice cream or yogurt. The following at-home tips should help with the recovery:
- After the first 24 hours, rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent infection.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to soothe your sore gums.
- Raise your head while sleeping.
- Avoid exercises for a few days.
- Stick to soft foods, such as soup, yogurt, jello, soft noodles, mashed bananas, and eggs.
What is wisdom tooth infection?
Wisdom teeth infection is one of the most common reasons for wisdom tooth extraction. The wisdom teeth are often harder to clean than other teeth, especially if they’re impacted or if they haven’t erupted properly. In that case, the buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria around the wisdom tooth can lead to inflammation and bacterial infections.
What’s the wisdom teeth removal procedure?
The wisdom teeth removal procedure can be simple or surgical. During simple wisdom teeth removal, the dentist can simply pull the teeth out. During surgical wisdom teeth removal, the dentist will have to make incisions in the gum tissues, divide the affected tooth into smaller sections, remove the pieces, and suture the incisions.
What’s the cost to get wisdom teeth removed?
The cost of a simple wisdom tooth extraction ranges from $75 to $200 per tooth. The cost of a surgical wisdom tooth extraction ranges from $225 to $600 per tooth.
Schedule your wisdom tooth extraction today.
Nottingham Dental is one of the most reputable dental clinics in Katy, TX. We carefully examine your teeth to determine if you have impacted wisdom teeth or need an emergency wisdom tooth extraction. For more information, please schedule your wisdom tooth removal today.
