How Long Does It Take To Recover From Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is among the most common dental procedures that involve surgery. Not many patients like having the procedure done, and it is usually considered a last option. We realized that there are a lot of misconceptions about tooth removal, and only some people have genuine information concerning its recovery process post-treatment. So we prepared this article to provide more information about wisdom teeth removal and how long recovery takes.
What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth extraction is the removal of third molars, the four permanent teeth found at the far back of your mouth in the upper and lower jaw. The third molars start growing at the ages of 17-21. Most but not all people have wisdom teeth. It is estimated that approximately 37% of people have part of their wisdom teeth while others have none.
Why Would You Need to Undergo Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Some patients have trouble growing their wisdom teeth properly. The teeth sometimes develop at a wrong angle or just partially before getting impacted in the jawbone or underneath the gums. This can be problematic, forcing the patient to see a dentist in 49203 to remove them. Fortunately, people hardly use their wisdom teeth for chewing, so removing them won’t cause chewing difficulties. Here are a few factors that may force you to undergo wisdom teeth removal:
- Dental pain originating from the back of your mouth
- Food keeps getting trapped at the site where your wisdom teeth should be located
- A cyst develops around your wisdom teeth
- Injuries or trauma that caused damage to the bone or tissue around your wisdom teeth
During a checkup, your dentist may find a problem and recommend wisdom teeth removal as a preventive measure to avoid future dental problems.
What to Expect During a Wisdom Removal Procedure
After your dentist takes an x-ray of your mouth and finds a problem with your wisdom teeth development, they’ll recommend removing the tooth. To ensure you are calm and do not feel any pain during the procedure, your dentist will first numb the site scheduled for surgery.
An impacted wisdom tooth (a wisdom tooth trapped below the gums or jawbone) will have to be surgically exposed. Therefore, your dentist will cut the gums to gain access to the tooth and make it visible. They will then remove the tooth by loosening it from its socket before cleaning and stitching the wound. The stitches won’t have to be removed later on; they’ll loosen as the wound heals and eventually come out on their own.
How Long Does Recovery Take Post Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Undergoing dental extraction near you will only require you to cancel a few plans. The procedure takes less than an hour to perform but may be longer if several teeth need to be extracted or if your case is more complex than usual. That being said, you should at least take a day off for the procedure since you also need time to relax post-treatment.
On average, patients take two weeks or less before making a full recovery after undergoing wisdom teeth removal. Patients may experience mild discomfort, bleeding, and swelling after treatment. Your dentist will prescribe medicine to help with the pain and lower the chances of infection. They’ll also give you aftercare instructions to speed up recovery and avoid future complications.
Aftercare Tips
A dentist near you will probably tell you what to do after wisdom teeth removal to speed up recovery and avoid complications. We still thought it would be important to give you aftercare tips just in case you need a reminder or need more information to add to the list already provided:
- Don’t rinse your mouth less than a day after wisdom teeth removal
- Avoid hot foods and drinks shortly after treatments since they may interfere with the wounds healing process
- Avoid using a straw for drinking
- Quit smoking and consuming alcohol until your wound is fully healed
- Don’t brush over the wound, as this may dislodge the blood clot on the wound
- Place an ice pack over the wound through the side of your mouth and cheeks to reduce swelling
- Take all medication as prescribed by your dentist
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth removal is essential to alleviate dental pain and prevent future dental complications. With proper aftercare, patients can recover from the surgery soon without experiencing any severe complications. Visit Summit Pointe Dental for wisdom teeth extraction and other dental treatments. We have a skilled and experienced dentist who can perform all dental procedures safely and efficiently.