Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in during early adulthood. Due to their late arrival and position at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth can become impacted, leading to pain, infection, or damage to surrounding teeth.

People get their wisdom teeth removed for several reasons. If the third molars at the back of your mouth are causing problems, your dentist may suggest wisdom teeth surgery. Additionally, some people's mouths may not have enough space to accommodate the wisdom teeth, leading to misalignment or crowding of the teeth. As a result, many people opt to have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent or address these issues.

Recovering from wisdom tooth removal can be a challenge, but with the right approach, the process can be much smoother.

Key Takeaways:  

• The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal can take about two weeks.
• Post-surgery tips include biting on gauze to control bleeding, using ice packs or warm towels for swelling, and avoiding certain foods and habits.
• During recovery, eat soft foods like ice cream, mashed potatoes, blended soups, and bananas.
• You may need pain medication and follow-up visits to remove stitches or address any complications.

Healing after wisdom teeth removal

A dentist will remove wisdom teeth using a local anesthetic and then stitch up the gum where it resided. A folded cotton gauze is placed over where the tooth used to be to control bleeding.

After removing your wisdom teeth, the healing time can be about two weeks. You don't want to risk getting an infection. 

Here are some wisdom teeth removal recovery tips to help make you more comfortable after the procedure:

• Bite down on the gauze periodically and change it as needed when it becomes soaked with blood. The bleeding should stop after 24 hours, but if it does not, contact your dentist.
• While the anesthetic is still wearing off and your mouth is still numb, be careful not to bite the inside of your cheek, lip, or tongue.
• For the first couple of days, try using an ice pack or a warm towel on the outside of your mouth.
• Try to rest immediately after surgery, as physical activity can cause bleeding.
• After the first recovery day, rinse your mouth periodically with salt water.
• Do not smoke, especially during the first few days of recovery.
• Do not rub the wound with your tongue or your fingers.
• Continue to brush regularly but carefully.

If you experience any pain that does not improve after a few days or develop a fever, you should contact your oral surgeon. Antibiotics may be prescribed to minimize the risk of infection.

Foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal.

After removing your wisdom teeth, you will want to start by eating soft foods. Remember to avoid hard, crunchy, or hot foods during your recovery. You can fill your diet with some of the following foods:

• Ice Cream
• Smoothies
• Mashed Potatoes
• Blended Soups and Broths: Ensure they are either lukewarm or cold to avoid irritation.
• Greek Yogurt
• Bananas
• Oatmeal

You can switch gradually to more complex foods as the healing proceeds. Do not take a drink through a straw, as the sucking motion can loosen the blood clot on the wound, delaying healing.

Recovery from wisdom teeth removal

After the tooth is extracted, you will be given medication to deal with the pain. Your dentist will eventually remove the stitches when needed, but some are absorbed into the body.

Remember: healthy teeth can save you money, so it's essential to get these procedures done when recommended. The cost of removing wisdom teeth without insurance is high. Removal can be between $120 and $800 per tooth. We recommend talking to your dentist or an oral surgeon for a consultation and quote.

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