What to expect after teeth extractions. There's likely to be pain and swelling and you'll probably need to take time out to rest and recover. This will include time off work and other commitments for at least the first 24 hours after surgery and up to a week.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction? It depends on the complexity of your case. However, most people feel back to normal in just a few days. While you'll be able to return to routine activities within 48 to 72 hours, it usually takes the jawbone several weeks to heal completely.
Typically, your oral surgeon will ask that you at least take about 48-72 hours to relax afterward so the treatment area is allowed to clot. After that, a patient should be able to return to normal physical activity. The soft tissue will usually fully heal in about 3-4 weeks.
It's usually recommended that you take a day or two off work after having a wisdom tooth removed. You won't need a sick note from your doctor or dentist for this.
After routine extractions, it's common to take the rest of the day off. Most patients are probably best served by just going on home after the completion of their extraction procedure and taking it easy for the rest of the day. After your extraction, recovery time is needed so the healing process can initiate properly.
Avoid Sucking of any type: SMOKING, SIPPING, EATING HARD VEGETABLES are to be avoided after tooth extraction. Try taking soft and liquid food options such as soups, mashed potatoes, yogurts, milkshakes, smoothies etc. after tooth extraction. Avoid hot drinks, spicy foods, sodas, etc.
Pain. It is normal for pain to get worse over the next couple of days. Most discomfort is seen on day 2 and 3. Once you get home and the bleeding has stopped, you should eat (soft foods, pudding, etc.).
Many Patients Return to Work in a Couple of Days
That said, the nature of your work makes a difference. If your job involves strenuous activity, your oral surgeon may recommend that you take more time off. Performing a highly physical job too soon after wisdom tooth extraction can lead to painful complications.
Unless the patient develops post-operative complications, most people can return to work (sedentary jobs) or school within 2-3 days of the extraction. For jobs that require more vigorous activity, a little additional recovery time may be needed.
Rest for at least 24 hours and elevate your head when lying down. Apply an ice pack to your cheek at 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling. Avoid rinsing your mouth, spitting, smoking, or drinking through a straw because this can dislodge your blood clot and cause a painful secondary condition called dry socket.
Remember, no straws immediately after surgery!) Rest up for at least 24 hours following the tooth extraction and avoid strenuous activity for the next few days.
Local anesthesia, where the immediate area surrounding the extraction site is numbed, is completely safe for driving afterwards. This type of procedure is known as a tooth extraction without sedation, and patients can drive themselves to and from their appointments without any added concern.
You should sleep with your head elevated above your heart the first three days after your oral surgery. If your oral surgeons left gauze pads inside your mouth to help reduce bleeding, you might need to set your alarm every two hours at night.
The first two days after your extraction require the most care, as this is when your mouth is doing a majority of its healing. It's perfectly normal to experience a low level amount of bleeding and some soreness at the extraction site.
After extraction, having an aching jaw for a day or two should be a cause of concern even after a complicated procedure. Have a check-in with your dentist for treatment. Throbbing or radiating pain that painkillers cannot manage. The pain could result from a dry socket that exposes the nerves.
Within the first 24 hours after tooth removal surgery, you should avoid consuming anything that involves chewing. Try to limit yourself to liquids exclusively. If they don't fill you up and you want to consume solid food, go for soft meals that don't need much chewing, like pudding or oatmeal.
(First 24 hours post-op) Avoid eating or drinking for the first hour after your surgery (with the exception of liquids needed as an aid with taking medication). Over the following 24 hours, drink plenty of fluids so you stay properly hydrated.
Oral surgery, no matter if it is surgery for periodontal disease, tooth extractions, or dental implant placement, can leave you feeling uncomfortable for a few days. Getting plenty of rest and sleep is crucial for healing properly following surgery.
While every patient heals at a slightly different pace, most people can begin drinking small amounts of coffee around 5 days after an extraction. If all goes well, within two weeks any swelling should subside and your mouth should be mostly healed. At that point, you can return to drinking your normal amount of coffee.
Why does tooth extraction pain hurt more at night? It's normal to feel more dental pain of any kind at night. When we lie down, more blood and other fluids travel to our heads. This can increase swelling in a sensitive, healing area like an extraction socket, creating more pain.
Whether you get a simple or surgical extraction, the process will begin with an anesthetic for the tooth, gum, and surrounding tissue. At this point, you may feel a slight “bite” from the needle. However, many patients find it to be painless and for the discomfort to only last a split second.
48 hours after surgery, rinse mouth with warm salt water every 1-2 hours. Avoid using any mouthwash containing alcohol as it can irritate the wound. Keep your mouth clean by brushing areas around the surgical site, but be sure to avoid sutures. Touching the wounded area in any fashion should be prevented.
Following any type of oral surgery, including a tooth extraction, you should sleep elevated for the first 2-3 nights. This allows your body to drain more of the fluid away from the extraction site. If you were to lie flat on your back, the amount of swelling is much more likely to increase.
For at least 24 hours after your tooth extraction, you should consume only soft foods and liquids. You can ease into a more normal diet when you feel comfortable doing so. Try to stick with easy-to-chew foods for a few days. Initially, choose cool foods like yogurt, pudding, Jell-O, and ice cream.