WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION RECOVERY

The Day of Your Surgery

Wisdom teeth extraction is an outpatient surgery, meaning you will leave on the same day you have surgery. Depending on the state of your wisdom teeth, you may receive local anesthesia or sedation during the surgery. If you receive general anesthesia, you will be taken to a recovery room following surgery as it will take longer for you to wake up. Your dentist or oral surgeon will discuss which type of sedation you will receive.

Feeling in your mouth will slowly return as you wake up from surgery. Minor pain and swelling is normal immediately following surgery. You may notice some blood in your mouth the first day of recovery. You should use an ice pack right away to help with any pain or swelling. The dentist will also provide instructions regarding your medications, which could be prescription or over-the-counter pain medication.

Once you wake up and feel ready, you will be sent home. You should plan to have someone with you who is able to drive you home. This is especially important and required if you undergo general anesthesia. You will not be allowed to drive for an extended period of time while the drugs leave your system.

Following surgery, you can eat very soft foods, but should avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking. You should also avoid using a straw as it can cause issues.

Long-term recovery

Most patients fully recover from wisdom teeth surgery in a few days. For impacted teeth or other complicated surgical procedures, it can take a week to recover.

You can resume your regular activities the day after your surgery. It is important to avoid any activities that could harm the stitches or the blood clot over your wound. While minor pain, swelling and bleeding is normal after wisdom teeth removal, you should contact your dentist immediately if the pain or bleeding is excessive and unbearable.

Home care

It is critical to be careful and take care of your mouth following surgery in order to avoid infections and complications. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to properly clean and protect your mouth following the surgery. Many dentists will encourage you not to brush, rinse or floss the day of surgery in order to allow your mouth to heal.

Common cleaning instructions include rinsing your mouth with a saline solution to help keep the wound clean. Do not spit the water out when you rinse, but gently tilt your mouth over the sink and allow the water to run out. Gently blot the wound with gauze provided by the dentist to absorb any excess blood.

The following activities should be avoided during your recovery:

• anything strenuous that could dislodge your stitches or blood clot
• smoking
• spitting
• drinking from a straw

Pain management

The primary way to manage pain and reduce swelling is to use an ice pack and take the recommended pain medication. Your dentist will provide instructions on how frequently you should use the ice pack on your face. Be sure not to put the ice directly to your face, as it can lead to a painful ice burn. The dentist will also advise the frequency, type and amount of medication to take.

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