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Plaza Dental Group: 1089 Jordan Creek Pkwy #100, West Des Moines, IA 50266

How Long Does It Take to Fully Recover from a Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure?


Wisdom tooth extraction is a common surgical practice. A wisdom tooth generally develops in the gums during the late teenage years or early twenties. Due to lack of space in your mouth, they may sometime erupt at an angle or become stuck, only to emerge partially. These types of wisdom teeth are known as impacted wisdom teeth, and they can lead to future oral health problems such as infection and pain. If performed by a specialist, removal and healing of wisdom teeth is generally uncomplicated for most patients.

Healing After Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to Expect

Surgical removal of wisdom teeth is quite common, and most people feel little or no pain after the surgery. Healing time differs for everyone, and it may take longer if your wisdom teeth are impacted. Following your wisdom teeth removal, you may experience slight swelling, mild bruising and discomfort in your face for 3-4 days. You should follow the instructions given by your dentist or oral surgeon on how to take proper care after the surgery.

Here is an outline of the healing stages, after your wisdom teeth removal:

Initial 24 hours: Blood clot formation

2 to 3 days: Improvement in mouth and cheek swelling

7 days: Removal of remaining stitches by the dentist

7 to 10 days: Expected improvement in jaw stiffness and soreness

2 weeks: Expected healing of any mild bruising on the face

How to Speed Up Recovery Following Your Wisdom Teeth Removal

Blood clot formation at the wisdom tooth extraction site is a crucial aspect of the healing process because it:

  • Helps check excessive bleeding
  • Prevents wound infection
  • Boosts new tissue growth
  • Protects the exposed bone

It is important to ensure that these blood clots are not removed during the first 24 hours after the surgery. Avoid the following activities for at least 24 hours:

  • Brushing teeth close to the extraction site
  • Rinsing your mouth
  • Drinking hot beverages
  • Eating foods that necessitate chewing
  • Sucking on straws
  • Smoking or drinking

After 24 hours, gentle rinsing with antiseptic mouth rinse is recommended.

Recovery Tips for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Follow your doctor’s instructions for a faster recovery. Here are a few useful tips that you should follow for the first 3 days after your surgery:

  • Apply an ice pack to remove swelling or the color changes in your facial skin.
  • Use damp heat to treat a sore jaw.
  • Gently exercise your jaw by slowly opening and closing your mouth.
  • Eat soft foods including pasta, rice, or soup.
  • Drink lots of fluids.
  • Brush your teeth after 24 hours of your surgery but avoid brushing against any blood clots.
  • Take all the medicines that are prescribed by your dentist to relieve the pain or swelling.
  • Contact your dentist if you get a fever, or if your pain or swelling doesn’t improve.

What Problems Are Linked to Wisdom Teeth?

Impacted or partially emerged wisdom teeth can lead to dental problems. Food and bacteria can get in the edges of your teeth and gums to cause plaque build-up which can lead to:

  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Pericoronitis (an infection of the soft tissue surrounding the tooth)
  • Cellulitis (a bacterial infection in the cheek, tongue or throat)
  • Abscess (pus formation in the wisdom tooth or in the surrounding tissue)
  • Cysts and benign growths (very rarely seen in a wisdom tooth)

Many of these issues can be cured using antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwashes.

It’s best to visit your dentist when you feel pain or discomfort in your wisdom tooth. They will review your condition to suggest if you should get it extracted or not. Wisdom tooth removal is generally suggested by dentists when other treatments have failed.

Plaza Dental Group

Plaza Dental Group is a leading group of dentists in Des Moines, IA that provides high-quality dentistry in a comfortable and stress-free environment. We have a team of caring and highly-skilled professionals that uses state-of-the-art technology and delivers excellent service to the patients. Request an appointment today!

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4.6
Based on 453 reviews
Always make it a pleasant experience. Going to the dentist is never a lot of fun, but they are all so nice and welcoming. The level of service is top notch. Carley and Dr. Dietrich are the best!
Tanner Smart
Tanner Smart
Talia is the best! Always personable and goes the extra mile to get add’l information so I’m able to make informed decisions. Thanks for everything Talia!!
Sharon Quint-Strange
Sharon Quint-Strange
They got me in quickly and listened to all of my needs and my concerns because of past experiences. I am a unique (and probably more annoying) patient because I have trigeminal neuralgia. They were patient with me and constantly checked on my pain level/comfort during my procedure. Can not tell you how much that means to me!! I have plenty more procedures to go to get everything where it needs to be healthwise but I am confident they will be just as helpful and patient the next time. Thank yall!!!read more
Erin Gasparovich
Erin Gasparovich
Time for my routine cleaning! I met Lacey on a previous visit and know that she listens, and is very caring while working on my teeth. Great job today Lacey! Thank you for being extra concerned about my tender spots! We will work on those! You are such a kind, considering hygienist!
Kathy Marek
Kathy Marek
Dr. Ryan Langel has given me a new lease on life with the amazing transformation he has made on my teeth. He really is a magician and such a perfectionist. My top teeth were discolored and weak from years of use. Being older, I doubted if I could ever have strong, white teeth and a vibrant smile again. I now have a very beautiful smile and am so grateful to Dr. Langel and his stuff. And the process was painless and quick. Thank you, Plaza Dentistry.read more
Robert Thomson
Robert Thomson
I’ve received excellent, courteous care. Very professional staff who function well as a team. If never had a more pleasant experience at a dental office. Lacey is excellent. I can highly recommend them.
Loren Fligg
Loren Fligg
This dental office is great! Everyone is comforting and easy to talk with! My hygienist was super! My next visit will be at the new location in urbandale, Iowa!!
Judd Bristow
Judd Bristow
I have been going to Dr. Dietrich and Talia my hygenist for a few years now and I feel so comfortable with them. Great care and service. I highly recommend them. Thank you. Maria T P
MT Pa
MT Pa
Dr Odland is the best dentist in iowa. Susie has really helped me with my dental issues. She is great and caring. Dr Langel is doing a great job just like dr odland.
Darlene Raedeker
Darlene Raedeker
Dr Dietrich and Karly are a wonderful team!! Prompt..professional and do amazing work!! They made me so happy with my temps..cant wait to see my permanent teeth!!Had my last appointment today..if you are looking for a cosmetic dentist..look no further!! Dr Dietrick is the best!! Professional and meticulous yet fun and personable..I love my veneers! She changed my smile and my life!! If you are thinking about getting any work done go get a free consultation!! You won't regret it☺️read more
Valerie Williams
Valerie Williams
Everyone I've dealt in the office are friendly, knowledgeable, and they explained everything very well. The atmosphere was very relaxed. Definitely recommend!
Allie Whitver
Allie Whitver
I am always happy to see my regular Hygienist, Talia and Dentist, Dr.Dietrich. Talia is my most favorite person in Plaza dental group👍💕
Lulu
Lulu
I have had three different hygienists at this office and they were all wonderful! My doctor left and now I am seeing Dr. Jones and he seems quite knowledgeable. I find him super nice!
Betty Baum-Ferree
Betty Baum-Ferree

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1089 Jordan Creek Parkway, Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Opening Hours

  • Mon - Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

  • Thursday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sat - Sun Closed

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