Ready to get moving after wisdom teeth surgery but not sure when to start? Timing your workout after wisdom teeth removal is crucial. Our direct, fluff-free guide will give you the crucial insights needed to exercise safely while your mouth heals, without setting back your progress.
Key Takeaways
- Rest is critical in the first 24 hours post wisdom teeth removal to prevent complications like dry socket and excessive bleeding, with a minimum of 4 days rest recommended before slowly reintroducing light exercise.
- The recovery timeline can vary based on whether the upper or lower wisdom teeth were removed, with at least 5 days advised for upper and a minimum of 10 days for lower extractions due to the density of the jawbone.
- Expert advice from oral surgeons is crucial when resuming exercise, as they can provide personalized recommendations and important precautions based on the complexity of the surgery and individual healing progress.
Immediate Post-Extraction Guidelines
Wisdom teeth removal is no small feat, and the body needs ample time to heal post-surgery. Resting and avoiding physical activities during the initial 24 hours post-surgery can help prevent complications like dry socket and excessive bleeding. You might find this challenging if you’re accustomed to regular workouts, but bypassing this necessary rest period might escalate bleeding and discomfort, postpone healing, or even increase the risk of dry socket.
Activities that could increase your blood pressure, like heavy lifting or bending over, should be strictly limited during the initial healing phase. This is because an increase in blood pressure can dislodge the blood clot at the extraction site, leading to a painful condition called dry socket. Though you might be eager to put on your running shoes, keep in mind that rest is the most effective way to promote healing after a wisdom teeth removal.
It can be tempting to push your limits and start exercising sooner, but it’s essential to remember that your body is healing from an oral surgery procedure. Resuming normal activities too soon can lead to increased bleeding at the extraction site and slow down the overall healing process. So, sit back, take your painkillers as prescribed, and allow your body the rest it needs to heal properly.
Gradual Resumption of Physical Activity
After allowing your body to rest for a minimum of four days post wisdom teeth extraction, you could think about slowly reintroducing light physical activity into your routine. However, it’s important to start off slowly and steer clear of any high-intensity workouts initially. Low-impact exercises such as walking, stretching, and light strength training without excessive running or jumping are recommended. The aim is to gently ease your body back into exercise, not to set a new personal record.
Pain, dizziness, or lightheadedness during strenuous exercise are signs that your body might need a few more days of rest. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to halt exercise and give your body more time to heal. Keep in mind, returning hastily to a demanding exercise routine might result in complications like dry socket or escalated bleeding.
Listening to your body during this time is important. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts over a few days
- Ensure you’re not pushing yourself too hard too soon
- Prioritize your health and well-being
- Remember that it’s more crucial than missing a week of workouts
Navigating Exercise with Upper vs Lower Wisdom Teeth Removal
The location of your extracted wisdom teeth, whether upper or lower, plays a significant role in determining when you can resume physical activity. For example, if you’ve had an upper wisdom tooth extraction, you’re typically advised to start light physical activity after approximately five days. But you might wonder, how many wisdom teeth were extracted in your case?
If you had your lower wisdom teeth removed, it’s important to avoid physical activity and sports for a minimum of 10 days. This measure will assist your body in healing properly and impede any complications. This is because the lower jawbone is denser than the upper jawbone, which can lead to a longer healing time and greater discomfort during the healing process.
In essence, understanding the location of your wisdom teeth extracted can help you better navigate your return to exercise. Continuously monitor the extraction site for any complications and reach out to your oral surgeon if you have any concerns.
Special Considerations for Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts
For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, resuming exercise after wisdom teeth removal necessitates some extra precautions. One of the most important considerations is to avoid contact sports and heavy lifting for a minimum of one week after having your wisdom teeth removed.
The nature of contact sports, which often involves forceful impacts, poses a risk of injury to the extraction site. Hence, seeking guidance from your oral surgeon before resuming your regular exercise regimen is important.
If your wisdom teeth extraction was complex or involved bone removal, you should limit your sports and exercise activities for a longer period and consult with your oral surgeon for personalized guidance. Keep in mind, the aim is to safely return to your regular activities without hindering your healing process.
Adjusting Your Exercise Routine During Recovery
Although you might be keen on returning to your regular workout routine, modifying it during your recovery from wisdom tooth extraction is important. Incorporating low-impact exercises into your routine is a great way to start. These exercises, including:
- yoga
- stretching
- lifting light weights
- walking
can help keep your body active without causing undue stress on your healing mouth.
Also, it’s important to keep an eye on any symptoms like:
- bleeding
- dry socket
- redness around the surgical site
- swelling
- fever
- pain
These may indicate complications from the surgery and should be addressed promptly. If you’re unsure about any symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your oral surgeon for guidance.
It’s also important to understand the difference between normal muscle fatigue and potential complications following exercise after wisdom teeth removal. Regular muscle fatigue resulting from resumed activity should not exhibit symptoms like increased blood pressure leading to bleeding or dislodged blood clots. As always, if you’re unsure, it’s best to consult with your oral surgeon.
Expert Advice from Oral Surgeons
While this guide offers general advice, seeking expert advice from your oral surgeon about when it’s safe to resume exercise and what activities to dodge during the healing process is necessary. They can provide personalized instructions based on your specific situation and recovery progress.
If you have any inquiries or concerns about your oral health during the recovery period following oral surgery, don’t hesitate to direct them to your oral surgeon. They can provide you with the most accurate and reliable information.
Finally, before resuming exercise post oral surgery, make sure you adhere to your surgeon’s instructions. They are the professionals who know your situation best and can provide the safest and most effective advice for your recovery.
Post-Extraction Nutrition and Hydration for Athletes
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal isn’t just about adjusting your exercise routine; it also involves maintaining proper nutrition and hydration. A balanced diet aids in healing and provides the necessary energy for exercise.
Dehydration can negatively impact your recovery after wisdom teeth removal, potentially slowing the healing process and leading to complications. Therefore, maintaining hydration during your recovery is important.
Aim for at least 5-8 glasses of water or other suitable fluids each day to maintain hydration. Remember to avoid using a straw to prevent displacing the blood clot at the extraction site. Taking regular sips of water, juice, and Gatorade-type drinks will help keep you hydrated and support your overall health during your recovery.
Summary
Getting back to your workout routine after wisdom teeth removal requires patience, understanding, and a well-planned approach. It’s important to allow your body adequate time to rest and heal post extraction. Remember, the first 24 hours are crucial, and neglecting this rest period can lead to complications such as increased bleeding and dry socket.
When you’re ready to resume physical activity, start with low-impact exercises, and gradually increase the intensity as your body heals. Always be mindful of any pain or discomfort, and don’t hesitate to consult your oral surgeon if you have any concerns. Remember, your health and well-being should always be your top priority.
In conclusion, the journey back to exercise after wisdom teeth removal might seem challenging, but with proper planning and care, you can safely return to your regular workout routine. Remember, the goal is a healthy recovery, not a speedy one. So take your time, listen to your body, and you’ll be back to your workouts before you know it!
Take a look at our website Dr Bratt DMD PC for more helpful information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I exercise after wisdom teeth removal?
Wait about a week to ten days before exercising after wisdom teeth removal to allow the extraction site to heal and the blood clot to properly develop. It’s best to avoid strenuous exercise during this period.
How long do you have to wait to makeout after wisdom teeth?
Wait at least 24 hours before making out after wisdom teeth removal, and avoid spitting, rinsing, kissing, drinking from a straw, or smoking to prevent bleeding for the first few days.
How long should you be out of work after wisdom teeth removal?
After having your wisdom tooth removed, it’s generally recommended to take a day or two off work to allow for proper recovery. Most people are able to return to work within two or three days post-procedure.
Can I go to the sauna after wisdom teeth removal?
It’s recommended to avoid going to the sauna for about three days after wisdom teeth removal, as the heat and increased blood circulation can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of bleeding. This also applies to strenuous physical activities.
What type of exercises can I do during my recovery?
During your recovery, focus on low-impact exercises like walking, stretching, and light strength training to gradually build up your strength and endurance. These exercises will help your body heal effectively.
