Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal

It’s common to experience swelling and reduced jaw mobility for a few days after surgery to remove your wisdom teeth. You may need up to five days off work or school, although some people can resume routine activities after a few days.

The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal can last up to 14 days. However, some people fully recover within a week to ten days. Complications can affect your recovery time after your wisdom teeth removal, which is why it’s crucial to follow your dentist’s instructions to prevent dry sockets or infections.

The most painful day after your wisdom teeth extraction is typically two or three days following the procedure. You’ll experience the most swelling between 48 and 72 hours after your surgery, which coincides with the greatest amount of pain. Your dentist will explain your options for managing your pain after the extraction, including taking over-the-counter painkillers. You may experience more significant pain after this if you have complications, such as dry sockets.

Some blood clots are crucial for your well-being, while others risk your health. Your blood forms clots after an injury to stop the bleeding. This is a crucial part of your recovery process. Your body also produces blood clots after surgical procedures, such as wisdom teeth extractions, to protect your blood, bones, and nerves from damage or infection.

The blood clots covering the wisdom teeth extraction sites can be detached from the extraction sites or dissolve, causing a dry socket. When this occurs, your bones and nerves have no protection. Symptoms of dry socket include the following:

• A bad taste in your mouth
• Bad breath
• Pain affecting your mouth or face

In severe cases, dry sockets can cause infections. A dry socket remains a risk until you fully heal from your wisdom tooth extraction.