When can i do physical activity after wisdom tooth extraction

Ideally, athletes should schedule wisdom teeth removal during the offseason. But, if you’re like many patients in Richmond, Indiana, you might not be able to put off the procedure for that long. And in that case, you’ll want to know when you can resume your regular sports activities.

The answer depends largely upon your individual situation, as the complexity of your wisdom tooth extraction has a significant effect on your recovery time. However, the following guide can give you an idea of what to expect.

When can i do physical activity after wisdom tooth extraction

Limit Physical Activity for the First 48 Hours

After wisdom teeth removal, you’ll need to avoid physical activity for at least the first 48 hours. In other words, no heavy lifting, no bending, no strenuous work — and no sports. Spend the time resting and relaxing instead.

This restriction applies even in the case of a simple wisdom tooth extraction. If you exert yourself too soon, you can interfere with the healing process and possibly delay your return to sports.

Don’t Rush Right Back to Your Regular Routine

Reaching the 48-hour mark after wisdom tooth extraction doesn’t mean you’re ready to get back to your normal sports activities. You’ll need to take it slow, returning to your normal level of sports participation over the course of at least a few days.

The gradual approach is necessary, as you’ll still be healing for the next few weeks. During this time, focusing on how your mouth feels is essential. If you experience pain, throbbing or bleeding, you’ll need to refrain from further physical activity.

Factors that May Affect Your Recovery Time

In our experience here at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, most patients recover from wisdom teeth removal in a few days. Within a week or so, most are ready to play sports — but that isn’t always the case.

Your wisdom tooth extraction recovery time may be longer if any of the following circumstances apply:

  • You’re getting all four of your third molars removed at once.
  • Your wisdom teeth are impacted or stuck beneath the gum line.
  • One or more of the teeth to be removed is in poor condition.
  • You have a medical condition that can affect wound healing.

In addition, if you experience dry socket or develop an infection when you’re recovering from wisdom tooth extraction, you will need more time away from sports to give yourself a chance to heal. These complications are more likely if you don’t follow a strict oral hygiene routine — so if you don’t want to be out of the game for too long, be sure to follow the aftercare instructions your oral surgeon provides.

Do you need to schedule wisdom teeth removal? If you live in the east central Indiana area, contact Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Our board-certified oral surgeons have over a decade of experience in wisdom tooth extraction, and you can count on our team to do whatever we can to provide you with a positive experience. To schedule a consultation to plan your wisdom teeth removal in Richmond, Indiana, give us a call today.

When can i do physical activity after wisdom tooth extraction

You can't work out directly after wisdom teeth removal — it's best to wait at least a few days.

Image Credit: Antonio_Diaz/iStock/GettyImages

If you're having your wisdom teeth taken out, understanding the postoperative phase can help you make a full recovery. For instance, knowing when you can resume exercise after wisdom teeth removal can minimize the risk of bleeding and other complications.

Like any surgery, removal of a wisdom tooth (also known as a third molar) poses post-surgery risks. After you have a tooth removed, a blood clot forms over the socket — the space that held the tooth.

If this clot gets dislodged, it can lead to a painful complication called a dry socket, where your bone and nerves are exposed, according to the Mayo Clinic. This condition can also open the door for further issues, like infection or delayed healing.

Physical activity can potentially oust the blood clot and contribute to dry socket formation, per the Mayo Clinic. As a result, there are some restrictions about when you can exercise after wisdom teeth removal.

To help you have the most effective recovery possible, here's everything you need to know about post-surgery exercise, including how long after wisdom teeth removal you can work out and when to re-introduce different types of activity.

Tip

In general, you can't work out directly after wisdom teeth removal — instead, you should slowly resume exercise over the course of a few days. Our best advice: Follow your surgeon's personalized instructions for when you can work out after wisdom teeth removal, as healing and recovery time may vary from person to person, per the Mayo Clinic.

The Day of Surgery

The best way to prevent a dry socket? Instead of working out after wisdom teeth removal surgery, just rest, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sports and exercise can dislodge that crucial blood clot, which is why your doctor will probably tell you that you can't work out after getting your wisdom teeth removed.

This restriction likely won't be a problem the day of your surgery, as you might feel groggy from the surgery sedative and may have swelling, pain and discomfort from your procedure, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You might also be taking painkillers that make it unsafe to do normal activities like driving, let alone exercising.

What's more, you may not be able to eat as much as usual due to post-surgery discomfort, and thus lack the energy to exercise.

That's why soft snacks like yogurt and applesauce are among the best foods to eat after wisdom tooth removal, per the Cleveland Clinic. As a bonus, yogurt is rich in probiotics that can help fortify your gut while you're taking post-surgery antibiotics.

The takeaway: The best thing you can do for your body is rest and recover. So even if you feel ready to exercise after wisdom teeth removal, avoid any activity the day of the procedure to give yourself time to recuperate and to minimize the risk of complications, per the Mayo Clinic.

Can You Go for a Walk After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Light walking after wisdom teeth removal is usually OK (think: walking out to the car for your ride home or around your house to go to the bathroom and prepare food).

But more vigorous walking — like going on a hike — should be avoided for at least a few days (and possibly longer, depending on your doctor's instructions) to reduce your risk for complications like dry socket, per the Cleveland Clinic.

2 or 3 Days After Surgery

If your recovery is going smoothly and you're not experiencing any complications, you may be able to add light, low-impact exercises back into your repertoire, like walking, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

That said, it's important to limit strenuous exercise during the several days after wisdom teeth removal to avoid dislodging the blood clot and potentially forming a dry socket, per the Cleveland Clinic.

Translation: Avoid any moderate or vigorous forms of activity like running, high-intensity interval training or boxing, for example.

This also includes heavy lifting, whether that's at your job or during a strength training session, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Exerting yourself in this way can increase blood pressure and bleeding risk. So if you're wondering when you can lift weights after wisdom teeth removal, now is not the time.

You may also still be taking pain medication and avoiding certain foods after wisdom tooth removal, both of which may contribute to weakness or fatigue. Consequently, getting as much rest as possible for the first few days after surgery is what's best for your recovery — not squeezing in a workout, per the Cleveland Clinic.

And if your surgery was complex or bones were cut to remove your teeth, you may need to restrict sports and exercise for a longer time period, according to the Mayo Clinic. Check with your surgeon for individual guidance.

Warning

If you experience a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit; pain that increases after three days and is not improved by medication; red, hard swelling; facial numbness; bleeding that won't stop or pus draining from the surgery site, call your surgeon, per the Cleveland Clinic.

About 4 Days After Surgery

Here's how long until you can work out normally after wisdom teeth removal: About four days (assuming your surgery was straightforward and the recovery is smooth), per the Cleveland Clinic.

However, if your typical exercise routine involves contact sports (like football or rugby), it's best to stay on the sidelines until the surgical site has fully healed to avoid reopening the wound.

And if you're still experiencing post-surgery symptoms like swelling or bleeding or if you're still taking pain medication or not eating normally, hold off on activity to give your body more time to heal.

Your best bet: Talk to your doctor before resuming exercise after wisdom teeth removal to make sure it's safe for you, according to the Mayo Clinic.

If you do get the all-clear to work out, it's also important to listen to your body. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded while exercising, stop and wait a few more days before trying physical activity.

How long after a tooth extraction can I lift weights?

DO NOT lift heavy objects for 48 hours. Intermittent bleeding or oozing is normal. It may be controlled by placing fresh gauze over the surgical area and biting down firmly for 30-60 minutes.

Can I go on a walk after wisdom teeth removal?

In most cases, walking and light physical activity is encouraged after the first day. This will also help with swelling and help get patients back into their normal routines. Depending on the procedure, patient should avoid vigorous physical activity for 3-5 days.

When can I stop worrying about dry socket?

Typically you can stop worrying about the dry socket after 7-10 days because this is the amount of time that gums take to close. However, everyone heals at their own time, depending on age, oral health, hygiene, and other factors. Believe in your care team and instantly communicate if you experience abnormal symptoms.