How to care after wisdom tooth extraction

What are the tips and things to consider after wisdom tooth extraction without surgery?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge in the mouth. If they have enough space and grow entirely inside the mouth, they do not cause any problems.

However, wisdom teeth are often partially or fully impacted, which can lead to various problems. For this reason, dentists recommend extracting them at the right time.

Following proper post-extraction care can ensure a smooth recovery and help prevent complications or pain.

This article will review the recommendations after wisdom tooth extraction and guide post-extraction care and recovery.

5 days after wisdom tooth removal

During the recovery period after wisdom tooth extraction, the blood clot in the wound should never be moved, especially in the first 24 hours.

The movement of the clot or improper formation can cause many problems.

One of these complications is a dry socket. A dry socket is one of the most common complications after tooth extraction, usually occurring within 3 to 5 days.

How many days after wisdom tooth surgery do we have pain?

Pain after wisdom tooth extraction typically lasts between 3 to 7 days. The intensity of the pain may be greater in the first few days but gradually decrease.

Most people’s pain peaks on the second or third day and progressively improves.

 

Post-operative instructions for wisdom teeth removal

There are a few things you should pay attention to:

1. If the wisdom tooth was surgically removed with an incision in the gum, you may experience more pain and swelling.
2. Strictly following your doctor’s recommendations can help reduce pain and speed up recovery.
3. It is important to take painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications regularly and as prescribed by your doctor.
4. Some people naturally have a higher pain tolerance and may experience less discomfort.

If the pain is still severe after 7 days or you experience other symptoms such as swelling, fever, or abnormal discharge from the wound, you should contact your dentist, as these may be signs of infection or another problem.

Aftercare for wisdom teeth without surgery

Aftercare prevents infection and other complications if your wisdom teeth are removed without surgery. Here are some of the precautions:

• After tooth extraction, rest and avoid strenuous activity and exercise.
• Avoid rinsing your mouth with water or other liquids for 24 hours after tooth extraction.
• For the first few days after tooth extraction, eat soft, cold foods such as purees, lukewarm soups, and yogurt.
• Drinking fluids through a straw may dislodge the blood clot, increasing the risk of infection or dry socket.
• If you experience pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 48 hours after tooth extraction.
• Avoid brushing your teeth near the wound for 24 hours after tooth extraction.
• Try to avoid chewing food on the side of the extracted tooth, and do not touch the wound with your tongue or hands.

How many days after wisdom tooth surgery can you eat?

After wisdom tooth extraction, you can usually eat soft and liquid foods immediately.

However, the foods you can eat and when you can return to a regular diet depend mainly on the type of surgery, your recovery speed, and your pain level.

You can eat soft and liquid foods immediately after surgery without using a straw.

From the fourth day onwards, if the pain and swelling have significantly decreased, you can slowly introduce other semi-solid and soft foods into your diet.

If you still have pain or your gums have not fully healed, it is best to avoid hard foods and large pieces of food.

In general, most people can return to a reasonably regular diet after about 7 days; however, this time frame may vary from person to person.

What is the fastest way to recover from wisdom teeth removal?

Managing pain effectively is essential for a comfortable recovery after wisdom tooth extraction.

You won’t feel any pain while the anesthetic is still active, but once it wears off, you may experience discomfort if you haven’t taken painkillers in advance.

It is best to take painkillers before leaving the dentist’s office so that you do not experience severe pain once the painkillers wear off.

Remember that the most pain after surgery is in the first 12 hours after surgery, which you can manage with painkillers, but you will usually be free of pain from dental surgery after two days.

 

The final word

How should you care for your mouth after a wisdom tooth extraction?

Keeping your teeth and mouth clean will help the surgical wound heal. Rinse your mouth with half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water thrice daily.

You can resume brushing and flossing on the third or fourth day after surgery. Be careful not to dislodge the clot if you brush your teeth near the surgical site, as the pain and bleeding will start again.

 

 

 

FAQ – Wisdom Teeth Removal

Do and don’ts after wisdom teeth removal?

✔ Rest, eat soft foods, take prescribed medications, and clean the area.

✘ Avoid smoking, using a straw, vigorous rinsing, and touching the extraction site.

What is the most painful day after wisdom teeth removal?

The pain peaks on the second or third day and gradually improves.

Do top or bottom wisdom teeth heal faster?

Top wisdom teeth typically heal faster than bottom ones due to less complexity in extraction and better blood flow.

“The upper wisdom teeth often heal faster than the lower ones due to differences in bone density and surgical complexity.” – Harvard Health Publishing
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/wisdom-teeth-removal-what-to-expect

When should you see a dentist after wisdom tooth extraction?

It is important to note that the swelling and pain you have will gradually decrease, but contact your dentist if you experience any of the following:

• The swelling does not decrease and has increased.
• Unusual bleeding that does not stop.
• Feeling severe pain in the gums that does not decrease.
• Having a high and persistent fever.

What is the care after a lower wisdom tooth extraction?

• For care after extraction, avoid putting pressure on your lower jaw.
• Remember to use the medications your dentist prescribes to reduce pain and the risk of infection.
• In the first few hours after wisdom tooth extraction, you can use a cold compress on your face to reduce swelling.

What is the care after wisdom tooth extraction without surgery?

If you have not had surgery on your wisdom teeth, the care routine after wisdom tooth extraction and pain treatment after wisdom tooth extraction will be easier, as follows.

• In this situation, you only need to avoid putting pressure on the tooth extraction site for the next few hours to a few days.
• If your doctor has prescribed you antibiotics, take them.
• Try to eat soft foods, so the wound at the tooth extraction site can heal.
• A cold compress can also reduce swelling and pain.