Wisdom teeth surgery is a common procedure that can be performed to remove impacted or problematic wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the four molars that grow in at the back of the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. In some cases, wisdom teeth can become impacted, which means they are unable to fully erupt from the gums. This can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. Wisdom teeth surgery is typically performed to remove impacted teeth and prevent future problems.
The healing process from wisdom teeth surgery can vary from person to person, but it typically takes around 10-14 days for the gums to heal and for the swelling to subside. During this time, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for your mouth and to avoid eating hard or chewy foods.
Pain and Swelling
After wisdom teeth surgery, you may experience some pain and swelling in the surgical area. This is normal and should subside within a few days. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help you manage the pain. You can also apply ice packs to the outside of your face to help reduce swelling.
Bleeding
Some bleeding is normal after wisdom teeth surgery. However, if the bleeding is heavy or does not stop after a few hours, you should call your doctor.
Infection
Infection is a potential complication of wisdom teeth surgery. Signs of infection include fever, chills, swelling, and pain. If you think you may have an infection, you should call your doctor immediately.
Dry Socket
Dry socket is a painful condition that can occur after wisdom teeth surgery when the blood clot that forms in the surgical socket becomes dislodged. This can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. If you think you may have a dry socket, you should call your doctor.
Healing Time
The healing time from wisdom teeth surgery can vary from person to person, but it typically takes around 10-14 days for the gums to heal and for the swelling to subside. During this time, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for your mouth and to avoid eating hard or chewy foods.
Complications
Wisdom teeth surgery is a relatively safe procedure, but there are some potential complications that can occur. These include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Dry socket
- Nerve damage
- Jaw fracture
The risk of complications is rare, but it is important to be aware of them before undergoing wisdom teeth surgery.
Recovery Tips
Following wisdom teeth surgery, there are a few things you can do to help speed up the healing process and reduce your risk of complications. These include:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for your mouth.
- Avoid eating hard or chewy foods.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Get rest.
- Take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor.
- Apply ice packs to the outside of your face to help reduce swelling.
When to Call Your Doctor
If you experience any of the following symptoms after wisdom teeth surgery, you should call your doctor immediately:
- Heavy bleeding that does not stop after a few hours
- Fever
- Chills
- Swelling
- Pain that is not relieved by pain medication
- Dry socket
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth surgery is a common procedure that can be performed to remove impacted or problematic wisdom teeth. The healing process from wisdom teeth surgery can vary from person to person, but it typically takes around 10-14 days for the gums to heal and for the swelling to subside. Following your doctor’s instructions on how to care for your mouth and avoiding eating hard or chewy foods can help speed up the healing process and reduce your risk of complications.
