What does the healing process look like after a wisdom tooth extraction?

Wisdom teeth are teeth that grow at the back of your jaw. There are usually 4 wisdom teeth, and they typically begin to come through in your late teens or your early twenties. Why do we have wisdom teeth? Well, Not everyone has wisdom teeth, and this is because they aren't essential! If we go back to our caveman days, wisdom teeth were necessary to help us chew more coarse and harsh foods; therefore, we needed a broader jaw. This is now not the case since many of us still do not have wisdom teeth.

The first signs of wisdom teeth coming in are some of the following:

Jaw Pain

Swelling in the gums

A bad taste in your mouth

Difficulty in opening your mouth wide

Lastly, if you can feel your tooth under the gum's surface that’s a pretty clear sign.

How long will it take a wisdom tooth socket to fully heal? Well, this blog will help you answer that question!

It is not unexpected to undergo relatively high levels of pain when discovering that you have an impacted wisdom tooth which is why wisdom tooth extraction is quite comprehensive. What is an impacted wisdom tooth, you may ask? It is a tooth that does not erupt through the gum line because of improper positioning. The discomfort is caused by the lack of space for your wisdom teeth to come through.

We're not surprised that you're reading this blog, knowing how common it is to feel wisdom tooth pain. Luckily, we have your back on this, so let's get straight to the point!

In the first 24 hours of removal, blood clots forming on the extraction site should be noticeable, but don't worry! It is not a bad sign. Instead, you must leave those blood clots alone as they will aid your recovery.

Here are a few instructions on how to avoid disrupting the site:

● Avoid brushing the area directly

● Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the wisdom tooth was removed

● Avoid creating any kind of suction (like using a straw) in your mouth.

You will be allowed to eat and drink after the extraction, but it is best to just wait until the anaesthetic has completely worn off before doing so. Within 24-72 hours, you should notice that the swelling in your mouth has reduced along with any pain and discomfort.

Often, what to eat after a wisdom tooth removal is something that creates common concerns for a lot of people. For the first 3 days, it is recommended that you avoid hot foods and drinks and opt to eat a softer diet. Yes, you are allowed to eat ice cream! Foods such as soup, mashed potato, yoghurt, and rice may suit your situation.

Depending on the type of stitch your dentist has used, they may remove them on the 7th day or call you back to check the site's healing progress. By 7 to 10 days, the pain and stiffness in your jaw should almost be gone, which is the best thing and a huge relief to anyone who has had their wisdom teeth removed.

2 weeks later, any bruising to the face should also be gone. Not everyone gets bruised after a tooth extraction, but for those who bruise easily or have a problematic tooth, bruising is more likely to happen. Your dentist should be hands-on with you to help you with any concerns you may have throughout your healing process.

Nothing needs to be done for those who do not experience or have trouble with any pain with their wisdom teeth, and you can live in peace and harmony with your other teeth! However, suppose you are experiencing otherwise, and the pain can't be reduced using over-the-counter medications. In that case, it is recommended that you contact your dentist to check whether the tooth needs further medical attention.