What Should I Expect after Getting My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure for many young adults, as this third set of molars often grows in between the ages of 17 and 25. If you’ve been advised to have your wisdom teeth removed because they are impacted, are crowding your mouth, or have grown in at odd angles, you may be concerned about the post-operative process, especially if this is your first time undergoing surgery.

At Tampa Surgical Arts, we provide our patients with thorough treatment guidelines so they know what to expect before and after their wisdom teeth removal. In general, here is what you can anticipate:

Your Face Will Be Swollen & Your Jaw Will Be Sore

An ice pack can help reduce the swelling, as well as ease the soreness of your jaw. If it’s been 36 hours after the procedure, you can start alternating between ice packs and moist heat.

You’ll Be on a Limited Diet

After wisdom teeth removal, you’ll want to stick to a soft food diet. Think soups, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and other similar foods. (And yes, ice cream and milkshakes count as soft foods!) Avoid sipping through a straw, as the sucking motion can lead to dry socket, a painful condition where the blood clot protecting your extraction site is loosened and bare bones and nerves are exposed.

You’ll Need to Rinse Frequently

The day after surgery, you’ll need to be gentle with your mouth. You can brush your teeth, but do not vigorously rinse your mouth. However, the day after surgery, frequent rinsing is necessary. You’ll want to rinse your mouth at least five times a day – and always after eating – using warm water mixed with salt.

You May Have Discomfort

Yes, the rumors are true; you will experience some level of discomfort after getting your wisdom teeth removed. The pain level varies from patient to patient, depending on how many teeth were extracted and if any of them were impacted. However, Tampa Surgical Arts is uniquely qualified to offer a pain-free alternative to help make the recovery process as easy as possible.

At Tampa Surgical Arts, we’re proud to be one of the few oral surgery clinics in the area that offers opioid-free oral surgery procedures. We utilize opioid-free sedation, as well as a non-opioid local anesthetic called EXPAREL® that is administered at the end of the extraction procedure and can provide up to 72 hours of pain relief. This reduces the need for narcotic pain medication.

To learn more about our wisdom teeth removal procedure, or to schedule a consultation, contact Tampa Surgical Arts today. Our clinic in Tampa Bay serves patients throughout the Tampa Bay Area.