Resuming normal activity after wisdom tooth extraction

About the author: Dr David Chen, DDS

​

Hello, I'm Dr Chen and I'm an actively practicing dentist in Long Island City, NY. I graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2016 but prior to going to dental school I was already working in the dental field. It's been more than a decade since I first got to know dentistry and let me tell you, time flies by quickly. Since then I've developed a fondness for writing, which is how this all got started!

​

Association Memberships:

• American Dental Association

• New York State Dental Association

• Queens Count Dental Society

​

​

Medical Disclaimer:

This blog is purely meant for information purposes and should not be used as medical advice. Each situation in your mouth is unique and complex. It is not possible to give advice nor diagnose any oral conditions based on text nor virtual consultations. The best thing to do is to go in person to see your dentist for an examination and consultation so that you can receive the best care possible.

​

The purpose of all of this oral health information is to encourage you to see your dentist and to inform you of what you may expect during your visit. Due to the unfortunate nature of dentistry, there isn't really any true home remedies that will get rid of dental problems. Roughly 99.99% of them require in-person intervention by a healthcare professional.

​

Hint: That is the reason why you can't eliminate seeing dentists in your life!

When you schedule wisdom teeth removal, make sure you set aside enough time for recovery. You’ll need to restrict your activities to ensure proper healing, so you won’t be able to return to work right away.

Fortunately, recovering from wisdom tooth extraction doesn’t typically take long. Follow your oral surgeon’s aftercare instructions, and you should be able to resume your normal work routine pretty quickly.

Many Patients Return to Work in a Couple of Days

Every patient is unique, but most are able to get back on the job within two or three days of the wisdom teeth removal procedure.

That said, the nature of your work makes a difference. If your job involves strenuous activity, your oral surgeon may recommend that you take more time off. Performing a highly physical job too soon after wisdom tooth extraction can lead to painful complications.

Additional Recovery Time May Be Necessary

Simple wisdom teeth removal procedures typically come with a faster recovery. With complex extractions, on the other hand, healing can take longer.

If your wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck in the gums), your oral surgeon will need to modify the surrounding tissues and bones. Because of this, the extraction sites may take more time to heal.

Also, keep in mind that even if your wisdom tooth extraction procedure is a simple one, infection is always a possibility. If that happens, additional time away from work may be necessary to resolve the problem and fully recover.

Tips for Getting Back to Work Quickly

You probably don’t want to use up all your sick days and vacation time recovering from wisdom teeth removal. To reduce your risk of complications, your oral surgeon will likely recommend that you:

• Rest with your head elevated during the days after the wisdom teeth extraction procedure.
• Take your pain medication exactly as directed, without skipping or postponing any doses.
• Use ice packs, and after 48 hours, warm packs, to help alleviate pain and swelling.
• 24 hours after your extraction, begin rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution a few times a day.
• Avoid brushing near the tooth extraction sites and skip flossing in that area of the mouth.
• Stick to liquids and soft foods for a few days — nothing crunchy, chewy or sticky until after you’re fully healed.
• Drink all your beverages directly from a cup, not through a straw, and don’t gulp, swish or spit.
• Don’t use any form of tobacco or drink any alcohol, as both are known to hinder the healing process.

At Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we have extensive experience in simple and complex wisdom tooth extractions. You’ll be in good hands with our oral surgeons, and we’ll do our best to help ensure you can return to work as soon as possible after your procedure.

For expert care in the greater east central Indiana area, schedule your wisdom teeth removal at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Contact our office for a consultation today.

When can I resume normal activity after wisdom teeth removal?

Can I go on a walk after wisdom teeth removal?