Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that many people go through at some point in their lives. After the procedure, your mouth will look and feel different as your body heals. Knowing what to expect can help you manage the recovery process more effectively. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of what your mouth looks like after wisdom teeth removal and how you can take care of it during the healing period.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Before we discuss how your mouth looks afterward, let’s first understand what happens during the procedure. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth at the back of your mouth. These teeth often need to be removed because they can cause problems, such as crowding, infection, or pain.
The removal process typically involves a local anesthetic to numb the area and, in some cases, sedation to keep you comfortable. The dentist or oral surgeon will carefully extract the wisdom teeth, and sometimes they may need to make incisions in the gum to remove the teeth.
Once the teeth are removed, stitches may be placed to help the gums heal. The procedure generally takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity.
What Will Your Mouth Look Like Immediately After Removal?
After the removal of your wisdom teeth, your mouth will look and feel different. Here’s what you can expect:
Swelling and Bruising
It’s common for the area around the extraction sites to become swollen. This swelling usually peaks within 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. Your face may look puffier, especially on the side where the teeth were removed. Bruising may also occur around the jaw or neck area.
Swelling can be reduced by applying ice packs to the outside of your face. The ice should be applied in intervals, typically 15 to 20 minutes on, followed by a 15- to 20-minute break. This helps prevent further swelling and discomfort.
Bleeding
A small amount of bleeding is normal right after the procedure. You may notice some blood in your mouth or on the gauze that the dentist places in your mouth to control the bleeding. The bleeding should reduce after a few hours. However, if bleeding continues, it’s important to contact your dentist or oral surgeon for further advice.
Stitches
If your wisdom teeth were removed with an incision in the gum, stitches may be used to close the wound. These stitches may either dissolve on their own or need to be removed later, depending on the type of stitches used. Stitches will be visible in your mouth but should not cause significant discomfort.
Numbness
Immediately after the procedure, you may feel numbness in your gums, tongue, and lips due to the local anesthetic. This numbness will wear off after a few hours, but it’s important not to bite your lips or tongue while they are numb to avoid injury.
The First Few Days After Wisdom Teeth Removal
During the first few days of recovery, your mouth will still look and feel different as it heals. Here are some changes you can expect:
Tenderness
Your gums will likely be tender, and you may experience discomfort or pain around the extraction sites. This pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Your dentist may also prescribe stronger pain medication if needed.
Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
It may be hard to open your mouth fully at first, especially if there is swelling. This is normal and will improve as the swelling goes down and your mouth heals.
Eating and Drinking
You will need to adjust your eating habits for a few days. Soft foods are recommended, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies. Avoid hot foods or drinks, as these can irritate the extraction sites. Also, avoid using a straw for the first few days to prevent dislodging the blood clot that forms in the socket.
How Does Your Mouth Look After the First Week?
As you enter the second week of recovery, there will be noticeable improvements in the appearance of your mouth.
Reduced Swelling
The swelling around your cheeks and jaw will start to subside. Your face may return to its normal shape by the end of the first week. However, there may still be some residual puffiness, especially if your wisdom teeth were impacted or if the extraction was difficult.
Healing Gums
Your gums will begin to heal, and the initial redness and inflammation should decrease. However, your gums may still look slightly tender and irritated around the extraction sites.
Gradual Reduction in Pain
By the end of the first week, the pain should be significantly reduced. If you are still experiencing significant discomfort, it’s important to contact your dentist to ensure everything is healing as expected.
What Will Your Mouth Look Like After One Month?
By the time a month has passed, most of the initial healing will have taken place. Your mouth will look much more normal, but there may still be minor signs of healing.
Fewer Signs of Surgery
Swelling and bruising should be gone by now, and your gums should look less irritated. Any stitches that have not dissolved will likely be removed by your dentist during a follow-up visit.
Full Healing of the Gums
While the surface of your gums may look healed, the deeper tissues inside your gums may still be in the process of healing. The extraction sites may look slightly recessed or indented at first, but this will gradually improve over time.
Residual Sensitivity
Some people may still experience sensitivity in the area around the extraction site. This is normal, but if you continue to experience pain or discomfort, you should consult your dentist.
Long-Term Effects on Your Mouth After Wisdom Teeth Removal
While most of the healing process occurs within the first month, your mouth will continue to undergo changes in the months following the procedure.
Bone Healing
The bone where the wisdom teeth were located will take several months to fully heal. It may appear as if there are slight indentations in the bone, but this will improve as your body fills in the bone tissue.
Changes in Your Bite
In some cases, removing wisdom teeth can cause slight changes in your bite or how your teeth align. This is typically a temporary issue, and most people adapt to the change over time. However, if you experience persistent issues with your bite, it’s important to discuss this with your dentist.
How to Care for Your Mouth After Wisdom Teeth Removal
To ensure that your mouth heals properly after wisdom teeth removal, it’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Keep the Area Clean
After the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the extraction sites clean. This helps to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid brushing directly over the extraction sites until they have healed.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and drinking alcohol can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. It’s best to avoid these activities for at least a week or two after the procedure.
Follow Up with Your Dentist
Your dentist will likely schedule a follow-up visit to check on your healing progress. It’s important to attend this appointment to ensure that there are no complications.
Watch for Signs of Infection
If you notice any signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, or pus coming from the extraction sites, contact your dentist immediately.
Conclusion
After wisdom teeth removal, your mouth will go through several stages of healing. In the first few days, you will experience swelling, tenderness, and some bleeding. Over time, the swelling will subside, and your gums will begin to heal. By the end of the first month, most of the healing will be complete, although the bone may take longer to fully heal.
Taking care of your mouth during the recovery process is essential to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. Following your dentist’s instructions and attending follow-up appointments will help you get back to normal faster. If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist.
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