How long does it take for the wisdom teeth area to heel?
The time it takes for the wisdom teeth area to heal after extraction can vary from person to person. Here is a general timeline of the healing process:
- Immediately after extraction: You can expect some bleeding, swelling, and pain in the area. Your dentist or oral surgeon will likely recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication to manage discomfort.
- 1-3 days after extraction: The bleeding and swelling should start to subside. You may still experience some pain, but it should be manageable with medication.
- 4-7 days after extraction: The stitches (if any) will be removed during a follow-up visit to your dentist or oral surgeon. The pain should continue to improve, and you may be able to start eating soft foods.
- 10-14 days after extraction: Most of the swelling and discomfort should be gone. You should be able to eat a wider variety of foods, but avoid biting directly on the extraction site.
- 4-6 weeks after extraction: The healing process is mostly complete. You should be able to eat and speak normally.
It's important to follow your dentist's or oral surgeon's instructions for post-operative care to ensure proper healing. This may include avoiding smoking, drinking through a straw, and rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.