Extraction of wisdom teeth is a common dental procedure provided by dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons as part of a patient’s dental package, especially among young adults. Although the operation itself is simple, the recovery can be unpleasant and lengthy if it is not well controlled. Thankfully, there are science-backed methods to speed up healing and lower the risk of complications. So in this extensive guide, we’ll explore how to speed up wisdom teeth recovery with seven practical and medically sound tips.
Whether you’ve just had your wisdom teeth removed or you’re preparing for the procedure, understanding how to optimize your recovery is key to getting back to your normal life as quickly as possible.
Speed Up Wisdom Teeth Recovery
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Why Wisdom Teeth Removal Requires Recovery Time
Third molars, known as wisdom teeth, usually come through between the ages of 17 to 25 years. They require removal from many people, as they become painful, crowded, infected, or impacted. That’s because the extraction may involve cuts through the gum in addition to some occasional bone removal, and your body needs time to heal.
Most people take 7 to 10 days to recover, but with proper care, you can reduce pain and the risk of complications like dry socket or infection.
1. Follow Post-Operative Instructions Exactly
The number one thing to know to speed up wisdom teeth recovery is to follow the post-op directions that your oral surgeon gave you perfectly. The instructions are developed to avoid common issues like bleeding, dry socket , or infection. Common after-surgery advice is to:
- Bite down softly on a piece of gauze to help stop the bleeding.
- Refrain from rinsing or spitting vigorously for 24 hours.
- Avoid smoking or using a straw (both can displace the blood clot).
- Elevate your head and reduce swelling.
Every person’s surgery will be different, so be sure to follow your own post-op care sheet diligently. Do not be afraid to call your oral surgeon with any questions.
2. Control Swelling and Pain With Cold Applications
Swelling and pain are not uncommon following wisdom teeth extraction. Applying a cold pack or cold compress can be very effective at minimizing swelling and analgesia of the pain, particularly within the initial two days.
How to properly use cold compresses:
- Wrap ice in a clean towel.
- Apply to the outside cheek close to where the surgery was performed.
- Apply it for 15-20 minute intervals and remove for 15-minute breaks.
- Do it a few times per day on the first 1-2 days.
If needed, change to warm compresses every 48 hours to help increase blood flow and decrease jaw stiffness.
3. Eat Soft, Nutritious Foods
What you eat is such a big factor in your recovery. Soft, nutrient-dense foods allow your body to heal, and they reduce irritation at your surgical site.
Best things to eat after wisdom teeth removal:
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Smoothies (with a spoon, not a straw!)
- Applesauce
- Scrambled eggs
- Broth-based soups
Stay away from hot, crunchy, spicy, or sticky food, as it can irritate the wound and end up removing blood clots.
Pro tip: Toss some protein powder into your smoothie for added healing power.
4. Keep Your Mouth Clean- Gently
Although aggressively rinsing with water is not advisable soon after surgery, you do need to keep your mouth clean in order to avoid infection. Start gently rinsing with warm salt water approximately 24 hours after surgery. This acts in the healing process and aids in decreasing bacteria.
Saltwater rinse recipe:
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of warm water
Gently rinse after meals and before bed, the first week after surgery.
Avoid commercial mouthwashes with alcohol, as they can irritate the surgical site.
5. Stay Hydrated and Rest Well
Like many things, hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate. Drinking a lot of water helps eliminate your body’s toxins and allows torn tissue to be repaired effectively. Just remember, no straw of any type, which can result in dry socket by knocking the blood clot loose.
How to stay hydrated:
- Sip water throughout the day.
- Consume water-rich foods such as watermelon or cucumber (if they are soft enough).
- Beverages – Stay away from anything caffeinated or sweetened.
Rest is important in addition to hydration. Your body recovers more quickly when it’s not burning energy on physical effort. Take the day off work or school and avoid movement, especially in the first 48 hours.
6. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
So if you’re wondering how to speed up wisdom teeth recovery, quitting smoking and alcohol is a must. Both can impair a healing response and add to the complication rate.
The dangers of smoking in recovery:
- It results in less blood flow to the operative site.
- May cause a failure in blood clotting.
- Inhibits the development of good tissue.
Alcohol, on the other hand, can mix with pain medicines and dehydrate. Better still, avoid them completely for at least a week after surgery if you can: Longer is even better.
7. Monitor for Complications and Seek Medical Help When Needed
Despite the best care, complications can occur. Knowing the signs and acting fast can stave off serious problems.
Is anything getting worse? What’s getting better? What are common complications to be on the lookout for?
- Dry socket: Excruciating pain 2-4 days post-op, foul odour , and exposed bone in the socket.
- Infection: Increased swelling after a few days, fever, pus, or bad taste.
- Nerve damage: Numbness lasting more than a few days.
Should you experience any of these symptoms, get in touch with your oral surgeon right away. The quicker you act, the less time a sprain takes to recover and the less likely it is to lead to long-term issues.
Extra Tips for Faster Wisdom Teeth Healing
In addition to the seven primary tips above, here are a few bonus strategies for helping with healing:
Use Medications as Prescribed
Use painkillers or anti-inflammatories only on the advice of your doctor. Using too much or missing doses can keep you stretched out or make inflammation worse.
Practice Gentle Jaw Exercises
After several days, you may try gently opening and closing your mouth to relieve jaw stiffness. Do this slowly and stop if it is painful.
Raise Your Head While Sleeping
Sleeping with your head propped up (with 2-3 pillows propping) can help to alleviate swelling and promote proper blood circulation to the area.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Recovery Take?
Most people feel much better in 3-5 days and can return to performing activities at about 2 weeks. But the timeline differs and depends on:
- The difficulty of the extraction (impacted versus erupted)
- Your age and overall health
- How the aftercare instructions are followed.
But remember: your body’s healing journey is its own. Do not compare your recovery to anyone else’s –just follow the best advice and listen to your own body.
Final Thoughts: Speeding Up Wisdom Teeth Recovery Is Possible
Wisdom teeth removal recovery does not have to last forever and be excruciating. If you stick to the seven expert recommendations below, you can minimize downtime, lower the risk of complications, and break some of that post-op pain.
So, to sum it up, those are the 7 best tips on how to speed up wisdom teeth recovery:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions exactly.
- Apply cold packs on affected areas to prevent swelling.
- Eat soft, nutritious foods.
- Rinse your mouth with saltwater.
- If possible, drink water and rest.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Every one of your postoperative self-care efforts ushers in a swifter, safer recovery. Be patient, but also be proactive, and your mouth will resume functioning normally before you know it
FAQs about the keyword how to speed up wisdom teeth recovery
Here are 5 FAQs about the keyword how to speed up wisdom teeth recovery:
How long does it typically take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
The majority of people recover from wisdom teeth removal in about 7 to 10 days. But if you follow good aftercare practices (ice packs, soft foods, hydration, no smoking) after wisdom teeth removal, you can facilitate the recovery process, and you should be feeling better in a matter of days.
What foods help speed up wisdom teeth recovery?
Soft foods that are full of nutrients, including mashed potatoes, a smoothie (without a straw), applesauce, yogurt, and scrambled eggs (or plain omelet) help the healing process and reduce further irritation at the surgical site. Do not eat hard, hot, spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods, which can slow down healing and cause the blood clot to become dislodged.
Can I brush my teeth after wisdom teeth removal?
Yes, but gently. Do not brush on or near the surgical area for the first 24 hours. Afterward, brush your other teeth gently and rinse with salt water, forgoing mouthwash in order to clean your mouth without disturbing the healing sockets.
How do I prevent dry socket and speed up healing?
To prevent dry socket and expedite healing, don’t smoke, use a straw, or rinse your mouth vigorously in the first few days. Keep your surgical site clean, follow your dentist’s advice, and hold ice packs to your jaw area to help keep swelling at bay in the early days.
When should I contact a dentist during recovery?
Call your oral surgeon or dentist if you have severe pain after 3–4 days (a sign of possible dry socket), heavy bleeding, or swelling keeps getting worse, you have a fever, or there’s a bad taste in your mouth. Timely treatment can avert complications and speed up the healing process.
Dr. Niraj Ghanghoriya is a passionate dental surgeon with over 12 years of experience in clinical dentistry. He completed his BDS from the prestigious Sri Aurobindo Institute of Dentistry in 2012 and specializes in painless root canals, smile makeovers, and preventive oral care. Known for his patient-first approach and clear communication, Dr. Ghanghoriya aims to make dental knowledge accessible to everyone. When he’s not in the clinic, he enjoys writing informative dental blogs to help people take better care of their oral health.
