What is the healing time for a complicated wisdom tooth surgery?

Healing from complicated wisdom tooth surgery can vary depending on the individual patient and the extent of the procedure. Here is a general overview of the healing process for a complicated wisdom tooth surgery:

1. Immediate post-surgery (up to 24 hours):

- Right after the surgery, some discomfort and swelling can be expected. Medication prescribed by the dentist can manage pain and inflammation.

- Rest and limited activity are recommended to support the healing process.

- Cold compresses may help reduce swelling on the outside of the cheek.

2. 2-3 days post-surgery:

- Pain and swelling usually peak during this period.

- Eating soft foods and drinking plenty of fluids are essential for proper nutrition and healing.

- Gentle rinsing with salt water can help clean the surgical site and aid in healing.

3. 7-10 days post-surgery:

- Stitches may be removed during this time if non-dissolvable sutures were used.

- Swelling should start to reduce significantly.

- Soft diet and gentle oral hygiene continue to be important.

4. 2-4 weeks post-surgery:

- The surgical site continues to heal, and discomfort should subside.

- Chewing hard or crunchy foods may still cause sensitivity, so it's best to stick to softer foods.

- Sutures may have fully dissolved by this point, and the gums should be healing nicely.

5. 6-8 weeks post-surgery:

- Most people are fully healed at this point, with the surgical site completely closed.

- Regular oral hygiene practices can resume.

- Chewing and biting should be comfortable without pain.

It's important to follow the specific instructions provided by your dentist, such as avoiding smoking, alcohol, and strenuous activities during the healing period. Additionally, regular check-ups and follow-up appointments with the dentist may be necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure proper recovery.