Getting your wisdom tooth removed can feel a little scary or worrying, but knowing what happens after the surgery makes everything easier. Wisdom tooth surgery is a common dental procedure that many people need, especially when the teeth are impacted or are causing pain. If you are searching for wisdom tooth extractions near you, this guide will give you simple, helpful information so you can prepare well and feel confident in your care.
What Happens Right After Surgery?
When you leave the dental clinic, your mouth will feel numb for a few hours. This numbness is normal because of the local anesthetic your dentist used. You might see some bleeding, and your cheeks may start to swell. Don’t worry—this is your body’s natural way of healing.
The first 24 hours are the most important. Your dentist in Winnipeg will give you gauze pads to bite down on. This pressure helps stop the bleeding and lets a blood clot form in the empty tooth socket. This clot is very important because it protects the area and helps new tissue grow.
The Complete Healing Timeline
Different people heal at different speeds, but here’s what most patients experience
|
Time Period |
What to Expect |
What You Can Do |
|
Day 1-2 |
Most bleeding and swelling. Some pain and discomfort. |
Rest, use ice packs, and take prescribed medications. |
|
Day 3-7 |
Swelling peaks around day 3, then goes down. Less pain. |
Switch to warm compresses. Eat soft foods. |
|
Week 2 |
Most swelling is gone. You feel much better. |
Return to normal activities slowly. |
|
Week 3-4 |
Mouth feels almost normal. Gums are healing well. |
Follow up with your dentist if needed. |
First Week: The Critical Period
The first seven days need the most attention. During this time, you should rest as much as possible. Many patients feel better after three or four days, but complete healing of the gum tissue takes longer.
Your dentist near you will probably recommend taking time off from school or work for at least two or three days. This rest helps your body focus on healing. Avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, like exercise or lifting heavy things, because this can cause more bleeding.
Managing Pain and Swelling
Pain is strongest during the first two days. Your dentist will prescribe pain medication or suggest over-the-counter options. Take these medicines exactly as directed. Don’t wait until the pain becomes severe—it’s harder to control once it gets bad.
Swelling is also normal. Apply ice packs to your cheeks for 15 minutes at a time during the first 48 hours. After two days, switch to warm compresses. This helps reduce swelling and makes you feel more comfortable.
Foods You Should Eat
Eating the right foods speeds up recovery. For the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Avoid using straws because the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful condition called dry socket.
As you feel better, slowly add foods that need gentle chewing. Most people can eat normally again within one to two weeks.
Important Care Tips
Keep your mouth clean, but be gentle. Starting 24 hours after surgery, rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day, especially after meals. This prevents infection and keeps the area clean.
Don’t brush directly over the surgical site for the first few days. Brush your other teeth carefully. If you have wisdom tooth extractions near you, your dental clinic near you will give you specific cleaning instructions.
When to Call Your Dentist
Contact your dentist immediately if you experience severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication, heavy bleeding that won’t stop, fever above 100 degrees, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Complete Recovery Time
Most patients feel back to normal within two weeks. However, the bone and deep tissue continue healing for several months. The good news is you won’t notice this deeper healing—you’ll feel better each day.
Every person heals differently based on age, overall health, and how many teeth were removed. Following your dentist’s instructions carefully gives you the best chance for a quick, comfortable recovery. If you have questions about wisdom tooth extractions in Winnipeg, don’t hesitate to contact your local dental clinic for personalized advice.
Get Safe, Simple Wisdom Tooth Removal at Garden Oaks Dental Centre!
Our dental clinic provides comfortable care for patients of all ages. We use safe tools and clear steps to remove your wisdom tooth with less stress. Our team explains every part of the procedure, checks your mouth health, and makes sure you feel supported during healing. We focus on clean treatment and patient safety at each visit. Call us today to book your appointment.
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