The final set of teeth that develop inside the back of the mouth are wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars.
While some people have enough room in their mouths to accommodate these teeth without problems, others may experience pain, infection, or crowding as a result of impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth. In these cases, the teeth may need to be removed surgically.
After wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to follow your oral surgeon’s instructions for proper care and healing to minimize the risk of complications and ensure a successful recovery. One of the questions that may arise after wisdom teeth removal is when it is safe to wear your retainer again.
It is typically recommended to wait at least 24 hours before wearing a retainer after wisdom tooth extraction. This allows for the blood clot, which helps to protect the extraction site, to form and begin the healing process. Wearing a retainer too soon after surgery can disrupt the blood clot and increase the risk of dry socket, a painful complication characterized by an exposed bone in the socket.
In the first 24-48 hours after surgery, the patient should focus on controlling swelling and bleeding. The patient should use an ice pack on the cheek and take anti-inflammatory drugs as directed by the surgeon. Then, they should follow a soft diet and avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, and hot foods and drinks.
After the first 48 hours, the patient may begin to gradually resume their normal activities and diet. But, they should avoid any activities that may disrupt the blood clot, such as vigorous exercise or smoking. They may also begin to use warm salt water rinses to keep the area clean and promote healing.
Once the patient is no longer experiencing pain, swelling, or bleeding, and the extraction site has fully closed and healed, it is generally safe to begin wearing their retainer again. This process can vary from person to person, with some people taking a week or two to fully heal, and others taking several weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that not all retainers are the same. A Hawley retainer can be worn immediately after extraction while a clear/invisible retainer should wait until the extraction site is healed.
The patient should consult with their oral surgeon or orthodontist to determine the best time to start wearing their retainer again and to receive any additional instructions for care during the recovery process. It is essential to adhere to the surgeon’s instructions to avoid complications and allow for optimal healing. In summary, the patient should wait at least 24 hours after the surgery before wearing their retainer. It is important to focus on controlling pain and swelling and promoting healing for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Once the extraction site is fully closed and healed, the patient may begin wearing their retainer again, with guidance from their oral surgeon or orthodontist.