Getting your wisdom teeth extracted is never a fun process, and when you are told you have to get them removed, a million questions race through your mind. One of the most common is how long it takes to recover after wisdom teeth removal. Keep reading to have all your questions related to recovery time answered!
Recovery Time for Wisdom Teeth Removal
After the wisdom teeth removal, you should expect around 3 – 7 days before fully recovering from your wisdom extraction. However, that timeline can become as long as two weeks if the extraction is particularly complicated or extensive. Most people will return to daily life within three days after their wisdom teeth are removed.
Prevent blood clots in the extraction spots from dislodging by avoiding strenuous activities for the first several days. Normal daily activities, though, are fine after a day or two, and you can return to work/school so long as you do not have to perform excess physical activity.
Recovery Process on the Day of the Surgery
How recovery works for you on the day of your surgery depends on whether you get general anesthesia. If you get general anesthesia, meaning you are put under for the surgery, you will likely find yourself waking up in the recovery room after the procedure. You will probably be tired and experience a sort of high until the anesthesia effects wear off.
Since you cannot drive after your surgery, you will need someone to drive you home. You can take over-the-counter medications for the pain, and your oral surgeon will tell you which ones are safe to take. Use ice packs to lessen the swelling and help with the pain.
Normally, the pain of wisdom teeth extraction peaks around 6 – 12 hours after the surgery, as this is when the anesthesia has worn off. You should rest for the next two days and only eat soft foods to help your recovery move speedily.
What To Avoid for the Shortest Recovery Time
After having your wisdom teeth removed, there are several things you should avoid to speed up your recovery time. These are not the only things to avoid, and your oral surgeon will provide you with post-op care instructions to help your recovery go as quickly and painlessly as possible.
- Smoking or partaking in anything with nicotine in it
- Drinking alcohol
- Spitting
- Using a straw
- Strenuous physical activity
The above should be avoided for the first several days after the surgery. Drinking and smoking should be avoided for up to a week after the surgery to help ensure the safest and shortest recovery possible.
Wisdom teeth extraction can be an anxiety-inducing process, but it is one of the most common procedures worldwide. The recovery period can be slightly longer if you had a difficult wisdom teeth extraction, but you should be back up and enjoying life within several days. If you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted, Caring4Smiles is here for you with our team of expert oral surgeons. Call us today at 09 631 5416 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
