Breaking a Sweat: The Truth About When to Hit the Gym After Wisdom Teeth Removal

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that many young adults undergo. While the process may seem daunting, it can provide relief from pain and discomfort caused by these third molars. However, one question that often crosses the minds of those who have just had their wisdom teeth removed is when they can resume their regular activities, such as working out. After all, staying active is an essential part of maintaining overall health and well-being. In this article, we will explore the factors that determine how long after wisdom teeth removal one can workout and provide some tips for getting back to your exercise routine safely. So let’s delve into the answers to the burning question – How long after wisdom teeth can I workout?

Understanding Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of permanent teeth to develop in our mouth. They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25, although some people may never develop them at all. Wisdom teeth can be found at the back of your mouth on both the top and bottom jaws. Most adults have four wisdom teeth, but it is not uncommon to have fewer or more.

Why Do We Need to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

In most cases, wisdom teeth need to be removed due to various complications that can arise when they try to erupt into an already crowded mouth. These complications include impaction (when the tooth is partially or fully trapped within the jawbone) and infection due to difficulty in cleaning them properly.

If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain, gum disease, damage to other teeth, cysts formation, and even more serious health issues. Therefore it is recommended by dentists to remove them preventively before these problems occur.

The Procedure for Wisdom Teeth Removal

The removal of wisdom teeth is a common dental procedure performed by oral surgeons or dentists. It is usually an outpatient procedure that takes about 45 minutes under local anesthesia (if only one tooth is being removed) or general anesthesia (if all four are going to be extracted at once). If your extraction requires general anesthesia, your dentist may instruct you not to eat or drink anything for at least six hours before the surgery.

Firstly, a small incision will be made in your gum tissue near the wisdom tooth/teeth being removed. If there is bone blocking access to your tooth root, it will also be removed. Then any connected tissues such as nerves will be separated and any excess bone will also need trimming away so that complete extraction can occur with ease.

Once the tooth has been successfully removed, the gum tissue is then closed with dissolvable sutures. These sutures can take up to two weeks to fully dissolve and usually do not require a follow-up appointment for removal.

After Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to Expect

Recovery time depends on the degree of surgical complexity and your body’s natural rate of healing. Most patients report experiencing minimal pain or discomfort after their wisdom tooth extraction, and the swelling starts to subside within 24-48 hours post-surgery.

In general, some tenderness in the area is normal but shouldn’t be anything too severe. You may experience difficulty while eating for the first couple of days following the surgery because you need time to recover and heal.

Also if there is any minor bleeding after surgery, place a damp gauze pad onto the affected area for 30 minutes while biting down gently to apply pressure that will quite quickly stop any bleeding happening.

Can I Workout After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

The recovery process after wisdom teeth removal can be tricky, as it’s necessary to avoid certain activities that may hinder your healing process. Therefore, it is essential to listen carefully to your doctor’s instructions and allow your body time to heal properly before engaging in any strenuous activities including working out.

For the first day or two after surgery, it’s essential that you avoid exercise entirely as physical exertion could delay blood clotting and increase bleeding in the extraction site. Furthermore, excessive blood flow toward your head could lead to intensive throbbing pain that could very well delay/negate proper healing around crucial mouth areas causing unnecessary anguish.

If you undergo extensive dental surgery or have an overall fragile health condition, like being on anticoagulants or have heart problems – we recommend waiting several days (at least a week) before returning to workouts or other strenuous activities. Your body needs adequate rest after surgery to heal correctly.

Working Out After Wisdom Teeth Removal

It is generally advised to wait at least three days before resuming any workout after wisdom teeth removal. However, this differs from person to person. If your wisdom teeth removal procedure was relatively simple, and your recovery is going well, then you may be able to start working out a little earlier.

Remember that working out puts stress on the body, and when you workout after getting your wisdom teeth removed, the stress will also be put on the surgical areas. This could delay healing by causing bleeding and increasing swelling.

If you do start working out too soon after surgery, pay close attention to your body’s signals. If any pain or discomfort arises in the surgical area (or even in other parts of the body), stop exercising immediately and consult your dentist before you try it again. Avoid strength training and other lifting exercises for at least seven days as strain could rupture healing sites inside the mouth if put under tension or even if breathing gets drawn inwards outdoor.

In general, exercises you perform while sitting or lying down are okay to begin a few days after surgery. But activities that involve bending or jarring movements (such as running or jumping) should be avoided until complete healing has occurred – anywhere from

Understanding Wisdom Teeth and How They Affect Your Workouts

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of adult teeth to come in. They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25, although some people may experience them earlier or later. These teeth can cause problems for many individuals, leading to pain, infection, and discomfort. So, it’s not surprising that one might wonder about the effects of wisdom teeth on their workout routine.

Having wisdom teeth removed is a common dental procedure, with millions of Americans undergoing this surgery every year. The recovery period can vary from one person to another depending on several factors like age, overall health, and the number of wisdom teeth extracted. But how long after wisdom tooth extraction can you return to your regular workout routine? Let’s find out.

The Healing Process After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

After a wisdom tooth extraction, your body starts a healing process that usually takes about two weeks to complete. The first stage often lasts for up to three days and is marked by swelling and discomfort. After a week or so, you’ll enter into the second stage where the swelling begins to subside gradually.

During this time, your body starts sealing the wound left behind by the removed tooth by forming blood clots and developing new tissues over them. Many dentists advise their patients to avoid strenuous activities during this phase as it may dislodge the blood clots before they have completely formed resulting in bleeding.

The final healing stage occurs when these new tissues harden into scar tissue. This usually happens at around two weeks post-surgery when everything has returned back to normal- with little or no swelling or discomfort.

The Risks Involved with Working Out Too Soon After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

While hitting up the gym for a quick session may seem like a great idea after a few days of rest, engaging in intense or strenuous workouts too soon after wisdom tooth extraction can have serious consequences.

Firstly, too much physical activity may dislodge the blood clots that form over the wound site resulting in a dry socket- one of the most common complications after wisdom teeth removal. This condition exposes sensitive tissue and nerves, causing severe pain and increasing the risk of infection.

Additionally, working out too soon may also increase your blood pressure and heart rate- both of which should be kept at a minimum during recovery. Increased pressure can lead to bleeding from the extraction site, and due to reduced blood flow, it can take longer for the wound to heal.

When Is It Safe to Return to Your Workout Routine?

As mentioned earlier, the healing time after wisdom tooth extraction varies from person to person. Depending on your recovery progress, your dentist will advise you on when it’s safe to resume your regular workout routine. In general, it’s recommended to wait at least five days before engaging in any physical activity.

Even then, it’s essential to take things slow and gradually increase your intensity as you feel comfortable. Avoid any exercises that may cause strain on your jaw or make you clench your teeth together- this includes strenuous cardio workouts like running or cycling.

If you usually wear a mouthguard during workouts, be sure to consult with your dentist before using it again. Some mouthguards may need adjustments due to swelling or changes in your jaw structure after surgery.

Alternatives Workout Options During Recovery

If you’re feeling antsy and can’t wait for the green light from your dentist to return to regular workouts, there are some alternative options that you might consider during recovery.

Light stretching exercises like yoga or Pilates are an excellent option as they don’t involve any intense physical activity but allows for maintaining flexibility and muscle strength. Swimming is another low-impact workout that is typically safe even during the healing process as it puts minimal stress on the jaw.

Be sure to talk to your dentist about these alternative options before trying them out. They will be able to assess your individual case and advise on what exercises are suitable for you during recovery.

In conclusion, wisdom teeth extraction can have a temporary impact on your workout routine. To avoid complications, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions and allow yourself enough time to heal before returning to intense physical activity. Consider alternative low-impact workouts during recovery and always consult with your dentist before making any changes to your exercise routine. Remember, patience is essential when it comes to recovering from oral surgery, and taking it easy now can lead to a quicker and smoother recovery in the long run.

1) How long after getting my wisdom teeth removed can I start working out again?
Answer: It is recommended to wait at least 3-4 days before resuming your workout routine after wisdom teeth extraction.

2) Can I do any form of physical activity the day after my wisdom teeth surgery?
Answer: While light activities such as walking are generally safe, it is best to avoid any strenuous physical activity for the first few days after wisdom teeth removal.

3) Is it safe to lift weights or participate in contact sports after wisdom teeth extraction?
Answer: It is not advisable to engage in heavy lifting or contact sports until at least a week after your wisdom teeth surgery, as it may disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

4) Can I do cardio exercises such as running or biking after having my wisdom teeth removed?
Answer: Low-intensity cardiovascular exercises can usually be resumed 3-4 days after surgery, but make sure to listen to your body and stop if you experience any discomfort.

5) How long should I wait before going back to my regular workout routine after getting my wisdom teeth extracted?
Answer: It is important to listen to your body and gradually ease back into your workout routine. With proper rest and recovery, you should be able to resume your regular workouts within 7-10 days post-surgery.

6) Are there any specific exercises I should avoid after wisdom teeth removal?
Answer: High-impact activities like running or jumping should be avoided for at least a week after surgery, as they can cause unnecessary strain on the mouth and impede the healing process. Consult with your dentist for specific recommendations based on your individual recovery progress.

In conclusion, the decision to resume working out after wisdom teeth extraction should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a dentist. While regular exercise is important for maintaining overall health and well-being, rushing into intense physical activity too soon after the procedure can lead to complications and delay the healing process. It is important to listen to your body and adjust your workout routine accordingly, taking into consideration factors such as pain level, swelling, and any bleeding or discomfort. It is generally recommended to wait at least 1 week before resuming low intensity exercises and 2-3 weeks for high intensity workouts. Additionally, it is crucial to follow post-operative instructions provided by your dentist, such as avoiding straining your mouth or engaging in activities that could dislodge blood clots. Overall, patience and proper care are key in ensuring a smooth recovery and getting back to your regular exercise routine safely. By following these guidelines and keeping open communication with your dentist, you can successfully recover from wisdom teeth extraction without compromising your fitness goals. Always prioritize your oral health first and consult with a professional if you have any concerns.

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.