Wisdom teeth may not make you wiser, but they can cause a host of problems if they don’t come in properly. If your wisdom teeth erupt partially or at an angle, you may need surgery to remove them.
Dr. Anthony Farole usually recommends the removal of wisdom teeth that could lead to future health problems. If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, you probably want to know how long healing is likely to take.
About Your Wisdom Teeth
The wisdom teeth or third molars are the last teeth to develop and usually come through between the ages of 17 and 21. Most people have four wisdom teeth located at the very back of the mouth in both the top and bottom jaws.
In some cases, wisdom teeth cause problems when erupting if there is not enough space in the jaws to accommodate them. When wisdom teeth do not have room to emerge and develop normally, they can shift or damage other teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth can sometimes become trapped beneath the skin and cannot break through the gums. These are known as impacted wisdom teeth. Surgical removal of wisdom teeth is often necessary to prevent complications such as gum disease, infection, and cavities.
Wisdom teeth extraction is performed on an outpatient basis under local, sedation, or general anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia will depend on the complexity of the procedure. If you have surgery done under general anesthesia, it may take longer to recover after surgery, so it’s best to have someone available to drive you home.
How Long Does It Take for Wisdom Teeth to Heal?
Recovery after wisdom teeth extraction varies depending on the extent of surgery and the number of teeth removed. However, most patients recover within three to five days of surgery.
A blood clot will form over the wound in the initial 24 hours after surgery. The blood clot prevents wound infection and keeps the area free of food particles.
You will experience some swelling and pain after surgery and possibly bleeding. Cold compresses can be used to minimize swelling, and pain medication is prescribed to ease any discomfort. Be sure to get as much rest as possible in the first 24 hours.
Patients can generally resume normal activities the day after surgery. However, activities that could displace the stitches or disrupt the blood clot should be avoided. Rinses should not be used for the first few days.
A soft-food diet is ideal in the first 3-5 days after wisdom tooth extraction. Eating nutritious food and avoiding junk food can help recovery.
It typically takes several months for the wound to heal completely after wisdom teeth extraction. During that time, it’s crucial to look after the wound properly to prevent any complications. Stitches are removed after about one week.
If you are experiencing pain because your wisdom teeth are coming in, it’s best to consult with an experienced oral surgeon for an examination.
Take the Next Step – Request a consultation
Would you like to learn more about wisdom teeth extraction? Schedule a consultation at Dr. Farole’s Facial Cosmetic Surgery Center in Bala Cynwyd, PA by giving us a call at (610) 668-3300 today.