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.