The Healing Process After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Posted on February 24, 2025
Wisdom teeth removal is a procedure that most adolescents and adults go through at some point in their lives. Dentists will often recommend wisdom teeth removal when these molars present a threat to your overall health, from being infected or impacted, or when the teeth are changing the alignment of your other teeth. After the extraction of your wisdom teeth, your dentist will provide you with specific aftercare and recovery instructions to streamline healing and maximize your comfort. At Expo City Dental, Dr. Farzin and our team of trusted dentists in Vaughan provide personalized guidance and follow-up appointments to ensure your road to recovery is as seamless as possible.
If you suspect you may need your wisdom teeth removed, contact our dental office near you. Our medical experts will provide guidance on the best treatment options for you and even explore options for sedation dentistry if that's right for you.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Recovery Take?
A number of factors can affect the body's natural healing abilities, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle. For example, smoking or diabetes can slow down or change how your body is able to heal. On average, complete recovery from an extraction takes about 1 to 2 weeks. If the site of the extraction does not feel like it's healing as it should, reach out to our dentists for a check-in.
For more insight into the healing process after extracting your wisdom teeth, read on.
Immediate Post-Procedure Care
In the first few days following your extraction, you should be closely following your dentist's instructions.
- Gauze: Your dentist will likely recommend you bite down on a piece of sterile gauze to allow your body to form a blood clot at the site of the extraction. Enabling a blood clot here will support better healing by covering the site of the extraction and preventing substantial bleeding.
- Pain Management: In most cases, your dentist will also prescribe you pain killers like ibuprofen and/or a combination of acetaminophen and codeine to minimize intense pain.
- Lifestyle: During this time, it's recommended to avoid alcohol, smoking, or hot, crunchy, or spicy foods.
The Early Healing Stages
Around day 4 post-op, your stitches (if you had stitches) will likely begin to dissolve, or your wound will start to close. During this time, if you're still feeling pain or aches, it's important to continue with pain management, whether that's a cold compress on the outside of your jaw, pain medication, or a combination of both.
To support the healing further, you will want to be gentle with your gums and mouth. Take your time while brushing your teeth, and avoid firm brushes. You can also rinse your mouth with salt water to help prevent an infection. In addition to avoiding smoking and alcohol, dentists will also emphasize that you should stay away from using a straw. The suction from smoking or using a straw can dislodge blood clots, disrupting the healing process and causing dry sockets.
As you continue your recovery, it's crucial to maintain a soft food diet and gradually reintroduce regular foods based on your comfort level. Foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies (without using a straw) can be excellent choices during this phase.
To ensure you don't have a dry socket, the Expo City Dental team will schedule a follow-up appointment with you a few days after the procedure.
Strengthening Gums and Ongoing Recovery
As you move into the second and third weeks after your wisdom teeth extraction, your gums will continue to heal, and any residual tenderness should start to fade. While most discomfort will have subsided, it's still important to monitor for any lingering pain, swelling, or signs of infection. Issues like dry sockets or delayed healing can still occur, so staying cautious is key.
During this time, you can begin transitioning back to your regular diet, but it's best to avoid overly hard or crunchy foods that could irritate the extraction site. Keeping up with good oral hygiene will help prevent any complications and support a smooth recovery.
Final Stages of Recovery and Long-Term Care
By the fourth week, most patients feel fully recovered, with the extraction site closing up and any minor discomfort disappearing. At this stage, the focus is on maintaining long-term oral health and ensuring the area where your wisdom teeth were removed remains clean and healthy. If you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth or need to schedule a second extraction, talk to the supportive care team at Expo City Dental. Our team is always keen on providing comfortable and effective treatment options that preserve the health of your smile.
To learn more about wisdom teeth removal, root canals, sedation dentistry, and more, come visit your trusted dental experts at Expo City Dental.