Posted on May 14, 2021
Wisdom teeth are the four permanent teeth located at the back corners of your mouth and erupt in adults between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom tooth removal is the surgical procedure to remove one or more of the wisdom teeth that may not have enough room to grow and may be causing pain.
If you need wisdom teeth extractions, Stoney Creek Dental is here to guide you through the process.
Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Hurt?
You will not feel pain during the wisdom teeth extraction. However, once the anesthesia wears off, some feelings of pain or discomfort are entirely normal. Typically, the pain felt after wisdom teeth extractions peak at about six hours following the removal process, and most people recover a week after the surgery.
The good news? Wisdom teeth removal pain can most often be controlled using over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, but speak to your dentist or family physician to know what is best for you.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Extraction Take?
The surgery itself should take approximately 45-60 minutes. During this time, you will be under anesthesia – either local, sedation or general – so you won’t experience any pain.
When to Eat (and What) After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Immediately after wisdom teeth removal and during recovery, it’s best to start with liquids and soft foods for three to five days. Soft foods such as apple sauce, yogurt, smoothies, blended soups, and ice cream don’t require chewing, and the cold items can even relieve discomfort. If you had surgery under general anesthesia then speak to your dentist as to what foods you should eat and when. As you start to heal, you can incorporate foods like scrambled eggs, oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, and toast.
After about a week of healing, you can resume eating regular food.
When Can I Smoke After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Smoking of any kind should be avoided after wisdom teeth removal. People who smoke are at a much higher risk of developing complications such as dry socket after tooth extraction. However, if you are a regular smoker, make sure you wait at least 48 hours after your surgery before smoking. When resuming smoking, inhale gently.
How Long Do I Need to Wear Gauze After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
It’s common for residual bleeding to last for up to 24 hours after wisdom teeth removal. One hour after leaving the office, gently remove the gauze that was placed over the extraction site. If active bleeding is still happening, replace the gauze with a fresh piece and gently bite down upon it to apply some pressure.
It’s important to remember only to change the gauze when it’s bleeding through; the more you disturb your mouth, the longer it takes for bleeding to cease.
How Long Does It Take to Recover After Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
Wisdom teeth recovery usually takes a week. If your teeth were impacted, healing could take up to two weeks to fully recover. The dental surgeon will usually remove the stitches in about one week.
At Stoney Creek Dental, we want your wisdom teeth removal to go as smoothly as possible and are here to answer your questions. Contact us today to set up your consultation.