How Long is the Recovery Process After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

There are many reasons why a wisdom tooth needs to be extracted. Impacted wisdom teeth, for example, can cause tender gums and pain that interferes with your day-to-day life. The good news is that wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure at Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. While the surgery itself can be straightforward, some patients are intimidated by the thought of recovering from tooth extraction.

There’s no need to worry when working with our board-certified oral surgeons in Albany and Latham, NY. Our trained staff can walk you through all the details and let you know what to expect when attending a wisdom tooth consultation. Keep reading to learn more about wisdom teeth removal and the timeline involved.

Why do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth are molars that emerge by the time we reach our late 20s. Some wisdom teeth don’t cause any problems, which means they never need to be removed. In many cases, however, the mouth is too crowded for these molars to develop as they should. Wisdom teeth may push against your other teeth, damaging them or causing unwanted tooth pain.

The oral surgeons at Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are committed to helping patients keep their smiles healthy for a lifetime. Using cutting-edge technology, we can view images of your teeth and jawline to determine whether a tooth extraction procedure is needed. During this assessment, we will provide you with post-operative instructions designed to minimize discomfort and reduce your overall risk of complications.

What happens after wisdom tooth extraction

Recovering from tooth extraction can take longer depending on your age, type of tooth extraction procedure performed, and commitment to following at-home care instructions. You can expect side effects, like minor bleeding and inflammation, that can be alleviated with simple gauze, a cool compress, and prescription medications. Most patients can expect their most significant side effects to dissipate after 3 – 4 days.

Almost immediately after wisdom tooth removal, patients need to be driven home by a responsible adult. They can make sure you feel comfortable, help with meal preparation, and switch out the gauze as needed over the next few days. Our oral surgeons will schedule follow-up appointments after this time so our team can evaluate your healing progress. Severe pain or excessive bleeding needs to be reported to our clinic in Albany or Latham, NY, as soon as possible.

Guidelines to speed up the recovery process

To ensure a smooth recovery from wisdom tooth removal, follow these aftercare guidelines:

• Make sure the extraction site is clean to decrease your risk of infection

• Eat soft foods for a week, and avoid anything crunchy or hard

• Plan on taking a few days off from work or school for proper rest

• Avoid smoking, spitting, and using straws during recovery

Learn more about recovering from tooth extraction

Wisdom tooth pain can derail your life and cause pain when speaking or eating. A tooth extraction procedure can alleviate these symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. If you are considering wisdom tooth removal in Albany or Latham, NY, reach out and book a consultation with the professionals at Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. Our team can make sure you are fully prepared for a successful recovery.