Suppose you’ve recently had a tooth extracted or are suffering significant dental pain that may necessitate extraction. In that case, it’s most likely because the damaged tooth severely deteriorates beyond repair, or you have an “impacted” molar.
Naturally, everybody who’s had tooth extraction treatment wants to heal as fast as possible to get moving with their daily lives. You’re undoubtedly curious about how long it takes for the extraction site to recover after treatment and what factors can help or hinder healing.
Well, let’s get into it right away. Understanding what happens after a tooth extraction is a great preparation tactic to get yourself fit and firing a few days post-treatment with the right aftercare. This is especially important if you’re preparing to have wisdom teeth removal treatment.
Why Do I Have An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
A wisdom tooth is typically impacted if your jaw doesn’t have enough space to fully erupt underneath the gum. This means the molar may be partially erupted or erupted at the wrong angle, which leads to crowding. Crowding can impact the health of the neighbouring teeth and hence, would need to be removed.
The oral surgeon will perform wisdom teeth removal treatment either when you’re aware or in a sedated state. The surgeon will likely administer local anesthesia to numb the affected area so that you don’t ‘feel’ the treatment. The surgeon will then access the tooth and bone and grasp hold of it gently before rocking it from side to side until the tooth becomes loose to take out.
I’ve Had The Procedure – What Should I Expect?
Once wisdom teeth removal treatment is complete, you’ll be recommended some aftercare tips for a swift recovery. Although, it is important to know that some discomfort and pain are likely.
Once the local anaesthetic wears off, pain and discomfort at the extracted site are normal. The level of discomfort and pain depends on the process of removing the tooth.
Therefore, as part of healing, the discomfort and pain will increase once the anaesthesia wears off, but this is expected to disappear 3 to 4 days after the procedure.
Pain After Wisdom Teeth Removal – What To Be Aware Of
You’re expected to feel slight discomfort owing to tissue damage within the first 24 hours. This is known as nociceptive pain, which will gradually decrease as part of your healing. Once treatment is complete, you’ll begin to slow experience larger signs of bruising and swelling, including traces of blood. Again, this is perfectly normal.
The surgeon would recommend that you control the pain through over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen. The surgeon can prescribe this for you.
The surgeon is also likely to recommend reducing swelling through ice packs placed against the affected area of your cheek from time to time.
How Long Will Pain After Wisdom Teeth Removal Last?
Typically, you should recover between 3 to 4 days post wisdom teeth removal treatment. Once you’ve fully recovered and the blood clot has formed, you can go about your daily life. However, you may be required to rest a few days longer if you’ve multiple wisdom teeth removed.
Rest is essential to ensure the blood clot heals faster. A blood clot helps to stave off infection. Therefore, you’re requested to avoid any strenuous movement and ensure your head is elevated at a 45-degree angle to limit further pain.
When eating and drinking, consider softer food choices such as soup, lentils and boiled potatoes for the first week. Also, drink water using small sips to avoid disturbing the blood clot.
If you’re seeking further support with pain after wisdom teeth removal, then consult your surgeon as soon as possible to avoid any further complications.