The first 3 days after wisdom tooth removal are usually the hardest.

Q: Hi doctor how are you? I have done my surgical extraction for my wisdom tooth. How long does it take to heal? I’m in pain and also is it normal to feel nauseous?

A: Wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure, often done when there isn’t enough space for the teeth to grow properly, which can lead to pain or infection.

After surgery, it’s normal to experience pain and swelling, with slight bleeding, especially in the first few days. Most people begin to feel better within 3 – 7 days, although full healing may take a little longer.

You may also feel nauseous after the procedure. This is quite common and can happen from swallowing a little blood or reacting to the anesthesia or medications. It usually settles within a few hours.

To help recovery, be sure to rest and apply ice packs to reduce swelling. Take pain medication…only as prescribed ☺️. Try not to disturb the area. That means no rinsing, spitting, or using straws in the first 24 hours. After that, gentle saltwater rinses can help keep the area clean.

Stick to soft foods like yogurt, pap, custard, pepper soup, mashed potatoes, and other soups, and avoid hard or very hot foods, or chewing gum that may interfere with healing.

If the pain gets worse, bleeding is heavy, you notice fever or have a bad taste in your mouth, please contact your dentist.

If all goes well, you will steadily improve even though the recovery process is uncomfortable 😊. All the best!