Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery: How to Manage Pain & Swelling after the Surgery

Did you recently get your wisdom teeth extracted but have no idea how to handle it? Extracting your wisdom teeth can save you a lot of suffering in the long run. You’ll put an end to continuing pain, the possibility of infection, and many other potentially negative outcomes.

Unfortunately, generally moderate pain and swelling is part of the deal! However, it doesn’t mean you should have to simply deal with it.

Keep reading as we share some tips and tricks on how you can manager your wisdom teeth extraction recovery like a pro! 

Recovering from your Wisdom Teeth Removal: The Basics

1. During your wisdom teeth removal, your dentist or oral surgeon will numb the area around the tooth and may use sedation to keep you comfortable. They will then make an incision in the gum tissue and remove the tooth, sometimes by breaking it into smaller pieces. After the tooth is removed, the area is cleaned and stitched closed if necessary.
2. After wisdom teeth removal surgery, you may experience some pain, swelling, and bleeding. You may also have difficulty eating and speaking. It's important to follow the dentist's post-op instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications.
3. Following wisdom teeth removal surgery, you should expect to rest and limit physical activity for the first few days. You should also avoid smoking and drinking through a straw, as these activities can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket and delay healing. PRO TIP: eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. That means plenty of ice cream!! 
4. Recovery time from wisdom teeth removal surgery varies depending on the complexity of the extraction and the individual patient's healing process. Most people can return to normal activities within a week, but it may take several weeks for the jawbone and soft tissue to fully heal.

How to Manage Pain & Swelling after Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery

If swelling after wisdom tooth extraction occurs, there are a few things you can do to reduce it:

• Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off for the first 24-48 hours.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, as directed by your dentist or doctor.
• Stay hydrated and avoid smoking, which can delay healing.
• Eat soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that may irritate the extraction site.

To speed up the healing process after wisdom teeth removal, follow these tips:

• Rest and limit physical activity for the first few days after surgery.
• Avoid smoking and drinking through a straw, as these activities can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
• Eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water several times a day to keep the extraction site clean.
• Follow your dentist's post-operative instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications.

To manage pain after wisdom teeth removal surgery, try the following:

• Take pain medication as directed by your dentist or doctor.
• Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off for the first 24-48 hours.
• Eat soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that may irritate the extraction site.
• Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water several times a day to keep the extraction site clean.
• Rest and limit physical activity for the first few days after surgery.

If the pain or swelling persists or worsens, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. They may need to evaluate the extraction site and prescribe additional medication or treatment to ensure proper healing.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, major complications are rare. However, if you experience any of the following - contact your oral surgeon or primary care provider:

• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
• Infection (pus) coming out of one or more extraction site.
• Heavy bleeding.
• Pain that doesn’t improve with medication.
• Swelling that worsens after three days.
• Facial numbness.
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
• Blood or pus in nasal drainage.