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Wisdom Tooth Removal Recovery: When to Contact Your Oral Surgeon

The wisdom tooth removal recovery period is smooth and problem-free for most patients — even those with impacted teeth.

In rare cases, however, complications can occur. After having your third molars extracted, it is important to observe your symptoms. If you experience any signs of trouble when recovering from wisdom tooth removal, contact your oral surgeon immediately.

wisdom tooth removal recovery

High Fever

A low-grade fever is not uncommon after wisdom tooth extraction, and being slightly feverish is no cause for concern. If your fever spikes above 100 degrees, however, call your oral surgeon and schedule a consultation right away — you may an infection that requires antibiotic treatment.

Drainage from the Socket

Pus draining from the third molar extraction site is another possible sign of post-surgical infection. If the discharge is not accompanied by pain, the gum tissues may not be infected, but seeing your oral surgeon and getting a professional opinion is the wisest course of action.

Increasing Pain

As you heal from wisdom tooth removal, your pain should lessen until it eventually disappears. If your pain starts to increase a few days after your procedure, contact your oral surgeon. You probably have either an infection or a dry socket, and in either case, you need professional attention.

Excessive Bleeding

The day after wisdom tooth extraction, a blood clot should form at the surgical site. If you’re still seeing substantial bleeding after this time, or if the clot becomes dislodged and the bleeding returns, put in an urgent call to your oral surgeon. The surgical site may need to be restitched to allow for proper healing.

Persistent Swelling

After having your third molars extracted, you can expect some swelling. Many patients end up with chipmunk cheeks for a few days. That said, contact your oral surgeon if your face is still significantly swollen on the fourth or fifth day after the procedure, as this likely means you have an infection.

Continual Numbness

During the first hours after third molar extraction, you may continue to feel a bit numb. This residual numbness should quickly disappear. If yours doesn’t — if your tongue, lip, jaw or face remains partially or completely numb — contact your oral surgeon. You may have paresthesia, or nerve damage. Most cases resolve themselves after a short period, but getting professional attention is a good idea.

At Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah, our surgical team — led by Dr. Partridge and Dr. Maxfield — plans every procedure with care to help ensure a positive experience and an easy and uneventful recovery. With our training, knowledge and expertise, complications during wisdom tooth removal recovery are unlikely.

However, you can call us anytime you’re concerned about your post-surgical symptoms. We’ll make every effort to see you as soon as possible at our Cottonwood Heights, South Jordan or Tooele office. For expert advice on wisdom tooth removal and recovery, contact Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah and schedule an oral surgeon consultation today.

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