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. Not everyone develops wisdom teeth. However, when wisdom teeth become impacted or do not have enough space to emerge properly, they can cause pain, swelling, and other oral health concerns.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant discomfort because they do not erupt properly through the gum line. This often happens when there is not enough space in the jaw, leading to pain, swelling, and pressure in the surrounding area.
The first signs of wisdom teeth coming in are the following:
- Jaw Pain
- Swelling in the gums
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Difficulty in opening your mouth wide
So, if you can feel part of a wisdom tooth emerging beneath the gum surface, it may be a sign that the tooth is starting to erupt.
How long does it take for a wisdom tooth socket to fully heal?
Wisdom tooth pain is a common reason for patients seeking dental advice. Knowing what is normal during recovery can help make the healing process more comfortable and less stressful.
In the first 24 hours of removal, blood clots forming on the extraction site should be noticeable, but do not worry! It is not a bad sign. Instead, you must leave those blood clots alone as they will aid your recovery.
What Should a Wisdom Tooth Extraction Site Look Like While Healing?
Many patients wonder what their mouth should look like after a wisdom tooth extraction. During the first few days, it is normal to see a blood clot forming in the extraction socket, along with some swelling and mild redness around the area. As healing progresses, the swelling should gradually reduce, and the extraction site will begin to close over naturally.
If you are wondering what wisdom tooth extraction healing looks like, healthy healing typically involves a gradual improvement in pain, swelling, and jaw stiffness. The extraction site may appear slightly white or yellow as new tissue forms, which is often a normal part of the healing process.
However, excessive swelling, severe pain, persistent bleeding, or signs of infection should be assessed by your dentist as soon as possible.
Understanding what normal healing looks like can help you recover confidently. The following aftercare tips can help protect the extraction site and support the healing process.
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 any kind of suction (like using a straw) in your mouth.
You can eat and drink after the extraction, but it is best to just wait until the anesthetic has completely worn off. Within 24-72 hours, you should notice that the swelling in your mouth has reduced along with any pain and discomfort.
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 for 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 out 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.
Conclusion
Most wisdom tooth extraction sites heal gradually over the first two weeks. Mild swelling, redness, and a visible blood clot are all normal parts of the healing process. If symptoms worsen or healing does not seem to be progressing as expected, contact your dentist for professional advice.
FAQs
What Does Your Mouth Look Like After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Immediately after wisdom tooth removal, the extraction site will contain a blood clot that helps protect the area while healing begins. Some swelling and redness are also common during the first few days.
How Should Healing Wisdom Teeth Look?
Healthy healing wisdom teeth extraction sites should gradually become less swollen and less painful over time. New tissue will begin to form over the socket, and the area should look cleaner and healthier as healing progresses.
What Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Healing Look Like After One Week?
After around seven days, swelling and discomfort should be significantly reduced. The extraction site may still be visible, but it should show signs of healthy tissue development and continued healing.