When people need to have their wisdom teeth removed, they often ask Dr. Ivey about what their recovery will be like. Pain, swelling, and discomfort are all-natural results of the tooth pulling process, but you should know what to expect in the hours and days after you have your wisdom teeth removed. Keep reading to learn a little more about wisdom teeth removal and the recovery timeline.
A Little More About Wisdom Teeth
The wisdom teeth are also known as the third molars and are the last teeth to push through the gum line. For most men and women, wisdom teeth make an appearance between the ages of 16 and 20, though they can come in much later as well. By the time wisdom teeth decide to join the ranks with the rest of your pearly whites there’s no more room, so they usually cause pain and discomfort, and disrupt your previously straight smile. For this reason, many people seek out Dr. Ivey to have their wisdom teeth removed.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Consultation Process
According to the American Dental Association, men and women should have their mouths checked before age 20 to see how their wisdom teeth are erupting and whether or not they will need to be removed. If you haven’t had this checkup completed, call Dr. Ivey today to schedule your initial consultation.
During the consultation, Dr. Ivey will conduct a thorough examination our your situations and determine if you need a wisdom teeth removal.
If he decides you would benefit from having your wisdom teeth removed, he will do so in his Centennial office during one visit. Typically, general anesthesia or local anesthesia is used when wisdom teeth are removed, as it is major oral surgery. These medications will prevent patients from knowing exactly what is happening during their extraction, but when they awake, pain and discomfort will eventually set in.
Healing From Wisdom Tooth Removal
Recovering from wisdom teeth removal typically takes about 2 weeks but varies from person to person. For most of Dr. Ivey patients, the healing process will look like this:
- During the first 24 hours, blood clots will form over your surgery site. These blood clots are vital to the healing process and need to remain in place. If you dislodge them, you could end up with a painful complication called dry socket.
- Two to three days after your wisdom teeth removal, the initial swelling in your mouth and cheeks will improve.
- If stitches were used to close up your surgical sites, Dr. Ivey will remove them 7 days after your surgery.
- Within 7 to 10 days, patients should have relief from any stiffness in the jaw.
- Within 2 weeks, bruising around the face should be gone, and you should be good as new!
Ways to Promote Faster Healing After Wisdom Teeth Removal
In order to have the best recovery experience after wisdom teeth removal, follow Dr. Ivey’s tips:
Call Ivey Oral & Facial Surgery With Any Questions
If at any time during your wisdom teeth removal recovery you have questions, do not hesitate to call Dr. Ivey. You can reach a member of his team by calling his office in Centennial at (303) 493-1933.
