Had my wisdom tooth out last week (the bottom one, impacted, so it was a bit of a production), and I’m honestly surprised at how much longer it’s taking to feel “normal” compared to when I had a regular molar pulled a couple years ago. With the molar, I was eating pretty normally in like three days, barely any swelling, just annoying saltwater rinses. This time? My jaw still feels sore, I’ve got some bruising, and I’m still babying that side when I chew.
I’m curious if other people have noticed a big difference between recovering from a simple pull vs. a surgical extraction. Like, do you find the surgical ones just always take way longer, or is it just me being unlucky this round? My dentist said 7-10 days for “most” of the healing but honestly, I’m on day 8 and still not loving it.
Also—side note—did anyone else get those weird stitches that dissolve on their own? The feeling of those things in my mouth is driving me nuts. I don’t remember having them before.
Would you rather deal with a straightforward extraction again, or is the surgical route not as bad as I’m making it out to be? Curious what’s been easier (or harder) for folks.
- Impacted wisdom teeth extractions are definitely a whole different beast compared to a regular pull. The swelling, bruising, and that sore jaw can stick around for a while—honestly, it took me almost two weeks to feel halfway normal after mine.
- Those dissolvable stitches are the worst... I kept poking at them with my tongue and regretted it every time. They do eventually disappear, but the sensation is super annoying.
- Straightforward extraction? Way easier in my book. Surgical ones just take longer, especially if they had to dig around or cut bone. Not just you—most folks have a rougher time with surgical extractions.
- Hang in there. If things aren’t getting better soon, maybe check in with your dentist, but what you’re describing sounds pretty typical from what I’ve seen (and felt).
