How Long Does it Take for Wisdom Teeth to Heal?

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to develop in your mouth, usually emerging sometime during your teenage years or early twenties. Though they can be removed without incident, wisdom teeth don’t always have easy access to the nutrients they need to grow properly and stay healthy, which means you might experience problems with them growing in or later on. How long does it take for wisdom teeth to heal? Read on to find out!

What is the recovery time for wisdom teeth removal surgery?

Wisdom teeth removal surgery is a common procedure that most people can safely undergo, but it does take time. Although wisdom teeth will likely be impacted as you grow, some people do wait until their late teens or early 20s to have them removed. Removal of impacted wisdom teeth usually requires local anesthesia and sedation; once at home, you'll need to ice your jaw and avoid strenuous activity while taking pain medication. You should start feeling better after a day or two, but if your pain persists longer than a week (after you've completed your prescribed dose of ibuprofen), you should consider talking with your dentist about possible complications such as an infection or swelling in your face or jaw. For more information on how long for wisdom teeth to heal, contact Dr.

How should I prepare my child for wisdom tooth removal surgery?

There’s nothing worse than experiencing pain—except maybe having your child experience pain. If you have children and they have wisdom teeth, then you know how much these types of ailments can put a damper on your family’s life. The first step is preparing your child for surgery. Help them understand that what you’re doing is making sure they feel better by removing any problems in their mouth; explain things as simply as possible and make sure that they know what kind of recovery time is going to be expected.

What are the benefits of extracting wisdom teeth early on in life?

Wisdom teeth are essentially extra teeth. They usually appear during adulthood as a result of crowding in your mouth or poor oral hygiene. While some people experience no problems from their wisdom teeth, others have issues with crowding and tooth decay that can lead to a gum infection or worse. In extreme cases, impacted wisdom teeth might even cause facial deformities or damage other teeth if they aren't removed. Taking them out early can save you a lot of pain and money down the road. The process is simple: First, an oral surgeon locates where your wisdom tooth is positioned (usually behind your existing adult tooth). Then, he or she makes an incision around where your wisdom tooth has grown in order to pull it out without harming any other part of your mouth.

When should I schedule my wisdom tooth extraction appointment with Dr. Horiuchi?

While Dr. Horiuchi can remove wisdom teeth at any time, he recommends patients schedule an appointment after most of their other dental work is complete and they've had adequate time to recover from any procedures performed. This allows you to heal in between sessions and reduces your risk of developing an infection during recovery. If you're ready for oral surgery, call (360) 331-4599 or contact us online. We'll be happy to schedule your wisdom tooth extraction appointment with Dr. Horiuchi!

What happens if I don’t have my wisdom teeth removed while they are still young and healthy?

A lot can happen if you don’t have your wisdom teeth removed while they are still young and healthy. First, you might experience jaw pain and aching in your face and neck. The most common wisdom tooth complaint is referred to as pericoronitis, which is an infection of gums surrounding each unextracted tooth. This leads to swelling and pain that makes eating difficult. Over time, it can lead to bone loss around your third molars (wisdom teeth) and problems with adjacent teeth—this includes crowding, shifting, or damage from biting down on hard foods or accidental trauma from things like sports or martial arts.