Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Surgery: When Can I Get Back to the Gym?

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

Are you considering getting your wisdom teeth removed, but worried about how it will affect your workout routine? You’re not alone. Many people are uncertain about when they can resume exercise after wisdom teeth removal. While the recovery process may vary from person to person, there are general guidelines and precautions to keep in mind when it comes to working out after this common procedure. In this article, we’ll dive into the question on everyone’s mind – When can I workout after wisdom teeth? Let’s explore the answer together and ease your concerns so you can get back to hitting the gym.

Introduction

Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a common dental procedure that many people go through. It involves the surgical removal of one or more impacted wisdom teeth, which are the last teeth to emerge in the back corners of your mouth. After undergoing this procedure, many patients wonder when they can resume their regular workout routine. This is a valid concern as exercising too soon after wisdom tooth extraction can potentially lead to complications and delay the healing process. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about working out after your wisdom teeth are removed.

What happens during wisdom tooth extraction?

Before diving into when you can workout after wisdom tooth extraction, it is essential to understand what happens during the procedure itself. The process typically involves numbing the area around your tooth using local anesthesia or general anesthesia if all of your wisdom teeth are being removed. Once you are numb, your dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in your gum tissue if necessary and then remove the tooth. Afterward, they will clean out the area and stitch it up if needed.

Why working out too soon can be problematic?

It is crucial to give your body time to heal after any surgery, including wisdom tooth extraction. Exercising too soon and strenuously can strain your body and interfere with the healing process. The most significant risk of working out too soon is developing dry sockets. A dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket where your tooth was extracted becomes dislodged or dissolves before the wound has healed. This can be very painful and delay healing significantly.

When can I start exercising again?

Now that you understand why it’s crucial not to work out right away after getting your wisdom teeth removed let’s discuss when it is safe to resume physical activity. The general rule of thumb is to avoid strenuous exercise for at least 48-72 hours after surgery. If the procedure was more complicated or multiple teeth were removed, your dentist may recommend waiting up to a week before resuming your workout routine.

What kind of exercises are safe?

After the initial few days, you can gradually start incorporating light exercises back into your routine. It’s best to start with low-impact activities like walking or gentle yoga. Avoid high-intensity exercises that involve jumping, running, or lifting heavy weights as these activities can put too much strain on your body and possibly lead to complications. Also, listen to your body and if you experience any pain or discomfort while exercising, stop and rest.

How can I modify my workout routine?

Even after a week of recovery, it’s recommended to modify your workout routine to avoid putting too much stress on your body. If you are used to lifting weights, try using lighter weights and focusing on high repetitions instead of heavy lifting. For cardio workouts, consider doing low-intensity exercises like biking or swimming instead of high-impact activities.

Tips for working out after wisdom tooth extraction

1. Listen to your dentist or oral surgeon’s instructions: They know what is best for your specific case and may recommend waiting longer before working out again.
2. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for the healing process and will also help keep you energized during your workouts.
3. Take it easy: Start slow and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you feel comfortable.
4. Avoid using straws: The suction created by using a straw can dislodge blood clots from the extraction site and lead to dry sockets.
5. Stick to soft foods: In the first few days after surgery, stick to soft foods like smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs to avoid putting too much strain on your mouth.

Conclusion

In general, it is recommended to wait at least 48-72 hours before resuming any physical activity after getting your wisdom teeth removed. You should also modify your workouts during the first week to avoid putting too much strain on your body. As always, it’s essential to listen to your body and if you experience any pain or discomfort while exercising, take a break and rest. If you have any concerns or questions about when you can work out after wisdom tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist or oral surgeon for guidance.

What is wisdom teeth extraction?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the back of the mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. For many individuals, their wisdom teeth may not cause any problems and can function just like any other teeth. However, for some people, there may not be enough space in the jaw for these additional molars to come in properly. This can lead to various issues such as impacted wisdom teeth or overcrowding.

When this occurs, your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth extraction. This is a routine surgical procedure where the wisdom teeth are removed from the mouth. It is typically performed by an oral surgeon or a dentist who has undergone specialized training in oral surgery.

Why do I need to delay working out after wisdom teeth extraction?

After undergoing wisdom teeth extraction, it is important to give your body time to heal properly before resuming physical activities such as working out. Here are a few reasons why it is necessary to delay working out after having your wisdom teeth removed:

To prevent complications

Wisdom tooth extraction is considered a surgical procedure and therefore carries the risk of complications like any other surgery. One potential complication that can arise from working out too soon after surgery is dry socket. This occurs when the blood clot that forms in the tooth socket becomes dislodged or dissolves, leaving the underlying bone and nerve exposed. Dry socket can be extremely painful and requires immediate treatment from your dentist.

Additionally, engaging in strenuous physical activities too soon after surgery can also increase your risk of bleeding and infection at the surgical site.

To promote healing

Your body needs time to heal after any type of surgery, including wisdom tooth extraction. Resting and avoiding strenuous activities allows your body to focus on healing and reduces the likelihood of complications. Working out too soon after surgery can delay the healing process and increase your recovery time.

To prevent damage to the surgical site

During wisdom tooth extraction, incisions are made in the gum tissue and bone to remove the teeth. These incisions need time to heal and any physical activities that strain your jaw muscles or cause pressure on the surgical site can lead to complications such as bleeding, swelling, or infection.

When is it safe to resume working out?

The timeline for resuming physical activities after wisdom teeth extraction may vary depending on individual factors such as age, overall health, and the complexity of the procedure. It is best to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon for a specific timeline that suits your situation. However, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

Rest for at least 24-48 hours

It is recommended to rest for at least 24-48 hours after wisdom teeth extraction before engaging in any physical activity. This will allow your body sufficient time to start healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Avoid working out for at least a week

In most cases, it is best to avoid any strenuous physical activity for at least a week after wisdom tooth extraction. This includes activities such as weightlifting, running, cycling, or any other high-intensity workouts that involve using your jaw muscles.

Start slow when you resume working out

When you do decide to resume working out after a week of rest, it is important to start slow and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts over time. This will give your body enough time to adjust and avoid placing unnecessary strain on the surgical site.

What types of exercises can I do during my recovery period?

While it is important to avoid strenuous activities that involve using your jaw muscles, there are some exercises that you can still do during your recovery period. These include low-impact workouts such as walking, light jogging, or yoga. These activities will not only promote blood circulation and reduce swelling, but they will also help to maintain your overall physical health during the healing process.

While regular physical activity is important for maintaining good health, it is crucial to give your body the time it needs to heal properly after any surgery. Wisdom teeth extraction is no exception. By following the recommended timeline for rest and gradually easing back into your workout routine, you can ensure a smooth and successful recovery without compromising your physical health. If you have any concerns or experience any complications during your recovery period, it is important to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon for appropriate guidance and treatment.

1. Can I workout after getting my wisdom teeth removed?
Yes, you can workout after getting your wisdom teeth removed. However, you should wait at least 24 hours before engaging in any strenuous physical activity.

2. When is it safe to resume my regular workout routine after wisdom teeth removal?
It is generally safe to resume your regular workout routine after 3-4 days of getting your wisdom teeth removed. However, it is important to listen to your body and take breaks when needed.

3. Are there any restrictions on the type of workouts I can do after wisdom teeth removal?
In most cases, there are no specific restrictions on the type of workouts you can do after wisdom teeth removal. However, it is best to avoid any activities that could put pressure or strain on your jaw or mouth.

4. Can I lift weights or do strength training after getting my wisdom teeth removed?
It is generally recommended to avoid lifting heavy weights or doing intense strength training for the first week after wisdom teeth removal. This will allow your body time to heal properly without putting additional stress on your jaw muscles.

5. Can I swim or do cardio exercises after removing my wisdom teeth?
It is generally safe to engage in low-impact activities like swimming and cardio exercises after removing your wisdom teeth. However, be sure not to open your mouth too wide when swimming to avoid irritation and potential infection.

6. Is it normal to experience discomfort while exercising after removing my wisdom teeth?
Yes, it is normal to experience some level of discomfort while exercising after removing your wisdom teeth. This could be due to swelling or soreness in the jaw area. If the discomfort persists, it is best to consult with your dentist for further advice.

In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when can someone workout after wisdom teeth removal. The specific timeline for when one can resume physical activity following the extraction of wisdom teeth will depend on various individual factors, such as the complexity of the procedure, the extent of swelling and pain experienced, and any potential complications.

As discussed in this article, it is crucial to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. While it may be tempting to return to your normal workout routine as soon as possible, it is essential to listen to your body and give it enough time to heal before engaging in any strenuous physical activity.

It is generally recommended to wait at least three days before engaging in any form of exercise. However, every person heals differently, so it is crucial to communicate with your dentist or oral surgeon and get clearance before resuming any physical activity. It may also be helpful to gradually ease back into your workout routine and avoid intense activities that could increase blood flow to the surgical site.

Additionally, keeping a healthy diet rich in nutrients and staying hydrated can significantly aid in the healing process. Avoiding smoking and consuming alcohol are also essential for proper healing and reducing the risk of complications

Author Profile

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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.