Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Most patients recover within 3-7 days. Initial healing of the gum tissue takes 1-2 weeks, while complete bone healing takes 3-6 months. However, you can typically resume normal activities within 2-3 days and return to work within 3-5 days depending on your job type.

This depends on your specific situation. Advantages of removing all four at once include:

• Single recovery period
• One anesthesia session
• More cost-effective
• Complete resolution of wisdom tooth issues

However, some patients prefer removing them in stages (two at a time) to maintain eating ability on one side. Our oral surgeon will recommend the best approach based on your case complexity and personal preference.

First 24 hours: Cold, soft foods like ice cream, yogurt, smoothies, pudding, applesauce.

Days 2-7: Soft foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pasta, soup, oatmeal, soft bread.

After 1 week: Gradually reintroduce normal foods, avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky items until fully healed
Avoid hot foods, spicy foods, alcohol, and using straws for the first week.

The ideal time is typically between ages 17-25 when roots are not fully developed, making extraction easier and recovery faster. However, wisdom teeth can be removed at any age if causing problems. Preventive removal is often recommended even if teeth aren't causing symptoms, especially if X-rays show potential future complications.

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot protecting the extraction site becomes dislodged, exposing bone and nerves. It causes severe pain 3-4 days after extraction.

Prevention tips:

• Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours (preferably 1 week)
• Don't use straws for 1 week
• Don't spit forcefully
• Follow all post-operative instructions
• Maintain gentle oral hygiene
• Avoid vigorous rinsing

Dry socket occurs in only 2-5% of extractions and is treatable if it develops.

For international patients, we recommend:

• Wait 24-48 hours after simple extractions before flying
• Wait 3-5 days after surgical extractions before long-haul flights
• Avoid flying if you experience complications

Cabin pressure changes can cause discomfort but generally don't affect healing. We'll provide specific guidance based on your procedure and travel plans.

Wisdom tooth extraction is very safe, but like any surgery, carries some risks:

Common (temporary):

• Pain and swelling (expected, manageable)
• Bleeding (minor, controlled with gauze)
• Bruising (resolves in 1-2 weeks)
• Jaw stiffness (improves with gentle exercises)

Uncommon:

• Dry socket (2-5% of cases, treatable)
• Infection (rare with proper care and antibiotics)
• Prolonged numbness (temporary in most cases)

Rare:

• Nerve damage (permanent numbness, <1%)
• Jaw fracture (extremely rare, primarily in older patients)
• Sinus complications (only for upper wisdom teeth)

Our experienced surgeons use advanced imaging and careful technique to minimize all risks.

Signs that indicate extraction may be necessary:

• Pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth
• Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
• Jaw stiffness or swelling
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Unpleasant taste or bad breath
• Visible decay on partially erupted teeth

Even without symptoms, your dentist may recommend removal if X-rays show:

• Impaction (tooth trapped in jaw)
• Incorrect angle of growth
• Insufficient space
• Cyst formation
• Damage to adjacent teeth

Schedule a consultation at Picasso Dental for a professional evaluation with digital X-rays.