Surgical Readiness for Extraction of Wisdom Teeth: Before and Beyond the Operation Room
Wisdom teeth extraction is a common dental procedure, but it's essential to be well-prepared to ensure a smooth recovery. Here's a guide to help you navigate the process.
Booking Time Off
After scheduling the procedure, remember to contact your school or employer to book time off. A person should plan for 3 to 7 days off work to allow for adequate recovery, although most patients can return to normal work or study within 3 to 5 days.
Consultation and Preparation
Before the procedure, you'll have a consultation with the operating dentist or surgeon to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss the specifics of the surgery. It's helpful to purchase appropriate post-procedure food such as yogurt, broths and soups, apple sauce, ice cream, pureed foods, smoothies, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, very soft pasta, thinly cut meats and fish, and plan for a week's worth of these foods.
Anesthesia and Recovery
The type of anesthesia used during the extraction will determine how long you'll need to wait before driving. Individuals who receive general anesthesia must be accompanied by someone who can help for the first 24 hours after surgery.
Factors Affecting Recovery
Key factors affecting recovery time include the number of teeth removed, surgical difficulty, type of anesthesia, individual health and age, and adherence to post-operative care instructions.
- Removing more teeth, especially if all four wisdom teeth are extracted, generally requires longer recovery.
- Impacted teeth or extensive bone removal increase healing time.
- Procedures done under general anesthesia or sedation may require longer immediate rest and slower return to activity than those with local anesthesia.
- Younger healthy patients tend to recover quicker than older or medically compromised individuals.
- Following care instructions like rest, avoiding strenuous activities for at least a week, eating soft foods, and avoiding dislodging blood clots greatly affects recovery.
Recovery Timeline
- The first 24 hours: Numbness from anesthesia, peak pain within 6–12 hours, initial swelling and bleeding.
- Days 2–3: Swelling and bruising peak, jaw stiffness common; pain may still be moderate.
- Days 4–7: Swelling and bruising decrease, jaw movement improves, many begin to resume normal activities, but strenuous activity is still discouraged.
- By 1 week: Most pain and swelling significantly subside; many patients return to full daily activities, but complete soft tissue healing may take 2–3 weeks and bone healing several months.
- Speaking: Can typically start 2 to 6 hours post-surgery as numbness fades but should be gentle for the first days to avoid complications.
Additional Tips
- Several steps may help speed up wisdom teeth surgery recovery, such as following the doctor's instructions for cleaning the mouth, avoiding smoking, and building up activities gradually.
- Wisdom teeth extraction involves the removal of one or more wisdom teeth, including impacted wisdom teeth.
- The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) recommends foods that do not require chewing during recovery.
- Avoid drinking from a straw during recovery as it may disturb healing and can contribute to the development of dry socket.
- People should typically follow specific instructions about what to do before and after the surgery, which can include avoiding alcohol and tobacco use.
- People usually go home on the same day as their wisdom teeth removal but should arrange transportation home due to their inability to drive following the procedure.
- People can take multiple steps to prepare for wisdom teeth extraction, such as arranging transportation and asking family and friends for support during recovery.
In summary, plan on at least 3 to 5 days off for light work resumption, and up to 7 days or more for physically demanding jobs or more extensive surgeries. Adjust plans according to individual pain, swelling, and the dentist's advice.
- The type of anesthesia used during wisdom teeth extraction can impact recovery, as individuals who receive general anesthesia may need to arrange for assistance for the initial 24 hours following the surgery.
- For a quick recovery after wisdom teeth extraction, it's beneficial to follow care instructions, such as eating appropriate soft foods and avoiding smoking, to promote healing.
- Beyond the typical 3 to 7 days off work for wisdom teeth extraction, people who undergo more extensive surgery or have additional health concerns may require a longer recovery period for a full return to health-and-wellness activities, including mental-health well-being.
