During the procedure, with proper local anesthesia, you should feel pressure and movement but not pain. Sedation options are available for anxious patients. Post-operative discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter medications for most routine extractions. Dry socket — the most common complication — is significantly reduced with ozone socket irrigation and proper aftercare.

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot in the extraction socket is dislodged or dissolves prematurely, exposing the underlying bone. It causes significant pain and delays healing. Risk factors include smoking, drinking through a straw, and forceful rinsing in the first 24 hours. At Rite Dentist, ozone socket irrigation and PRF placement reduce dry socket risk substantially compared to conventional extraction protocols.

Most patients return to normal activity within 3 to 5 days for routine extractions. Impacted wisdom teeth requiring surgical access may take 7 to 10 days for initial healing, with full bone healing over several months. Swelling peaks at 24 to 48 hours and improves progressively. Cold compresses, soft diet, and following post-op instructions are the most important recovery factors.

Earlier is generally better — typically in the late teens to mid-twenties, before wisdom tooth roots are fully developed. Partial root development means simpler removal, faster healing, and lower risk of complications. That said, wisdom teeth can be safely removed at any age when indicated. Dr. Babrood evaluates root anatomy and bone density individually to assess complexity.