25 Jul When to Return to School or Work After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Patients who are preparing to have their wisdom teeth removed often are concerned about how much time they’ll have to take away from work or school as they recover. While the extent of the recovery period can vary from patient to patient, many people find that they are able to resume most of their normal routines, including work or school obligations, within 2-3 days.
Keep in mind that wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure, so you may need to make adjustments like restricting vigorous exercise until you have healed from the surgery. You may need to adjust your diet and focus on softer foods for several days, as well. Your oral surgeon will give you more specific instructions on any short-term changes that are recommended.
Complications after the wisdom tooth extraction procedure can derail your efforts to get back to work or school, so it’s important to take every precaution possible to reduce your risk of such an outcome. Your oral surgeon will give you thorough post-operative instructions in order to minimize the likelihood that you’ll develop problems related to the extraction.
Dry sockets are the most common symptom that develop after wisdom tooth extraction. This condition occurs when the protective blood clot that sits on top of the nerves in the socket as the site heals is dislodged early or fails to form at all. You can prevent dry sockets by avoiding drinking straws until you have healed from your extraction, as the sucking motion can dislodge the clot. Smoking also can contribute to this issue, so you should abstain from this habit for at least a few weeks after your appointment, as well.
You should also be aware of the signs of other problems, like infection, and contact our office as soon as possible for follow-up if you notice any troubling symptoms.
Most patients will find that they are able to go back to work or school within a few days of having their wisdom teeth removed. If you have any concerns about this aspect of your treatment, please feel free to check in with your surgeon or another knowledgeable member of our professional team.
If you or a family member are looking to have wisdom teeth removed, contact our caring team today!