At the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute of Houston, Dr. L.T. Johnson, a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, and his team understand the importance of keeping our patients informed. Knowing what to expect and how to care for yourself post-treatment can make the healing process smooth and stress-free.
Typical Recovery Timeline
Most people recover from wisdom teeth extraction within 1-2 weeks. Here’s a breakdown of the timeline:
- First 24-48 hours: Expect some swelling, tenderness, and slight bleeding. Rest is key during this time.
- Days 3-4: Swelling should begin to subside. You will likely feel more comfortable eating soft foods.
- 1 Week Out: Most people can return to work, school, and normal activities with minimal discomfort.
- 2 Weeks Out: Full healing of the gums generally occurs. Deeper tissue may continue to heal.
Keep in mind that this is a general timeline. Several factors can affect your recovery rate, including:
- Age: Younger patients tend to get better faster.
- Complexity of the Extraction: Impacted wisdom teeth may require more time to recuperate.
- Aftercare: Proper rest, hydration, and avoiding certain activities (like smoking) speed up healing.
Tips for Faster Healing
Here are some simple steps to help you recover quickly:
- Rest: Restrict physical activity for the first few days.
- Eat Soft Foods: Opt for foods like yogurt, smoothies, and soups to avoid irritating the surgical site.
- Avoid Straws: Suction can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a dry socket.
- Manage Pain: Use prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relief as directed.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Rinse with salt water gently, as recommended by Dr. Johnson.
Mild pain and swelling are normal. However, you should contact Dr. Johnson if you experience:
- Persistent bleeding beyond 48 hours
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve
- Signs of infection (fever, excessive swelling, etc.)
Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation Today
Understanding the recovery process can ease your concerns about wisdom teeth removal. At the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute of Houston, Dr. Johnson and his skilled team provide expert care for fast and comfortable healing.
Contact us today to book your wisdom teeth extraction consultation. Give us a call at 281-491-4545.