Is It Hard to Recover from Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
For some people, wisdom teeth are functional teeth that come in normally and never cause any problems. Unfortunately, for many others, the late-blooming molars spell nothing but trouble. When there’s no room in the mouth for erupting wisdom teeth, they can easily become trapped inside the jaw where they can exert pressure on other teeth, become a source of infection, or even damage the jaw itself. Impacted wisdom teeth may cause pain and swelling, or they may produce no symptoms at all. If you have an impacted tooth, the best course of action is to remove it in order to prevent future complications.
Risks
Risks associated with the surgery include pain, swelling, bleeding, sinus problems, and nerve damage. While wisdom teeth extractions are common surgical procedures, they are more complicated than a simple tooth extraction and are often performed by an oral surgeon. You may be sedated or given general anesthesia.
Recovery
It typically takes about a week to recover from wisdom teeth extractions, but the incision area may take a month to heal completely. If damage to your jaw occurs during surgery, full recovery may take as long as six months. During the first 24 hours, you can expect some bleeding. Placing clean, moist gauze or a teabag over the incision area and applying biting pressure for about 45 minutes should stop it. If bleeding continues, call your dentist or oral surgeon. Ice will relieve swelling for the first 24 hours. Apply ice for 10 minutes and then leave it off for 20 minutes. Repeat the steps as needed for the first day following surgery. You may be prescribed medication for pain or antibiotics to treat or prevent infection.
The proper care after surgery can help prevent complications. Following are a few more helpful recovery tips:
- Avoid rinsing your mouth for 24 hours after your extraction. After the first day, rinse the socket with warm, salty water after each meal and before bed.
- Consume a soft or liquid diet.
- Avoid chewing with the teeth that are near the extraction site.
- Don’t drink from a straw.
The prices for wisdom tooth extractions vary depending on your dentist’s experience and location, the complexity of the procedure, and your dental insurance plan. Find a skilled, affordable dentist to extract your wisdom teeth or get several quotes to compare fees before scheduling the procedure.
To learn about our family dentistry practice in Michigan, call Gentle Dental of Michigan today at or make an appointment.
Gentle Dental of Michigan offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Michigan. With 4 affiliated practices throughout Michigan, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Gentle Dental of Michigan, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Gentle Dental of Michigan.
