Many people face removal of their wisdom teeth. For most, this takes place between the ages of 17 and 21, almost as a rite of passage into adulthood. Regardless of your age when you need this common procedure, you likely wonder, “How long does it take for wisdom teeth to heal?”
How Long Does it Take for Wisdom Teeth to Heal After Removal?
Wisdom teeth are your back molars, the last ones to grow into your mouth. Most people have these teeth on both top and bottom jaws on each side of their mouth. Problems arise when you do not have enough space in your jaws for these teeth to grow in without shifting and damaging your other teeth.
In these situations and for most people, your dentist recommends wisdom teeth removal Richardson TX offers. This procedure is a surgery that requires about a week for recovery. Of course, recovery takes longer if your teeth have not emerged from the gums, remaining impacted.
What to Expect on Surgery Day
For your wisdom teeth removal, you go through outpatient surgery. This means you do not stay overnight in a hospital. You receive local anesthesia or sedation in the dentist’s office. Your dentist discusses the type of sedation you need, according to the expectations for your surgery.
When you awaken from surgery, you start regaining feeling and use of your mouth. But you still experience some swelling and pain, possibly with light bleeding. A good way to reduce pain and swelling is through the use of an ice pack on your face. Your dentist also provides a medication prescription or recommendations for over-the-counter pain relievers for your wisdom teeth to heal properly.
Most people need someone to help them get from the dentist’s office to the car or other transportation. Of course, this usually means you need someone to drive you home. Once home, make yourself comfortable and spend some time avoiding strenuous activity and allowing yourself to heal. Only eat very soft foods and avoid caffeine, smoking, and alcohol altogether.
Wisdom Teeth Healing and Recovery Time
So, how long does it take for wisdom teeth to heal so you can get back to your regular routine? Most people fully recover within three to four days after surgery. But if you experienced complications, such as awkwardly positioned wisdom teeth or impacted ones, you may need a full week for recovery.
Your surgical wounds will not heal completely for several months. So you must avoid activities that cause the stitches to dislodge or the blood clot to come out of the wound. Although you can go back to your regular daily routine the next day after surgery, avoid some other activities. These activities to avoid include:
- Strenuous exercise
- Spitting
- Drinking using a straw
- Smoking
Most people who face wisdom teeth removal have many questions. Your dentist understands your fears, anxiety and other concerns. So talk to your dentist openly so you can know enough about the procedure that you feel relaxed in the dentist’s chair. After all, part of healing from oral surgery is knowing how to take the best care of yourself.
Finding a Quality Dentist in Richardson, TX for Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Having your wisdom teeth heal properly requires the skill of a quality dentist. So you need to ensure you have confidence in your dental expert before going through the procedure. Other dental services typically provided by a quality dentist for adults include:
- Dental implants
- Same day crowns
- Clear braces
- Cosmetic dentistry
- General dentistry
- Oral sedation and dental X-rays
- Teeth whitening
Your dentist at Dentistry By Design in Richardson, TX provides all of these dental services. Dr. Brad Tiner also welcomes your questions about procedures, such as, “How long does it take for wisdom teeth to heal?” Schedule your visit with Dentistry By Design now for a consultation and the answers you need about your own oral health. Call 9727522901 today for immediate assistance.
