1150 Civic Drive, Suite 101, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
925-934-7888You may need to undergo tooth extraction surgery for several reasons, including late-stage tooth decay, trauma, and aesthetics. After surgery, you might be tempted to resume your daily activities, but you can’t go back to exercising right away.
LIMIT EXERCISE FOR THE NEXT 4 DAYS AFTER ORAL SURGERY
as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site. You may participate in light exercise after 4 days as tooth is extraction may cause you to feel some pain and experience some swelling.
LIMIT EXERCISE AFTER WISDOM TEETH EXTRACT FOR THE NEXT 4 DAYS
removal, physical activity must be strictly limited for 4 days. Strenuous exercise and work are to be avoided, as is bending over or heavy lifting.
LIFTING WEIGHTS AFTER WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION
Rest as much as possible following surgery. You will need 4 days after surgery to recuperate.
THE DANGERS OF EXERCISING AFTER SURGERY
Most oral surgeons advise patients to avoid physical exertion for the first 4 days after surgery. Exercise can lead to an increase in blood pressure, which can cause the extraction site to bleed. Worst of all, the blood clot that grows in the extraction area after surgery may be dislodged, leading to dry socket.
Stay tuned to find out when it’s appropriate to resume exercising.
WHEN CAN I START EXERCISING AGAIN?
Avoid engaging in high-intensity exercises such as running, karate, swimming, and all other intense workouts. Generally, it would be best if you waited 4 days before heading back to the gym.
If you’re taking painkillers or antibiotics, it’s best to wait until your dentist removes them from your prescription, as these come with side effects. Moreover, they can mask the pain from exercise-related injuries, so you may not know if you pull a muscle.
Patients who went through a more complicated extraction that caused significant blood loss and tissue manipulation may need to wait at least a month before exercising. Conversely, those who went through a less severe procedure can ease back into their routine by doing light stretches and yoga after 4 days. Ultimately, you should ask your oral surgeon when it’s safe to start exercising again.
REST: HOW LONG SHOULD I REST AFTER ORAL SURGERY
Rest is important following oral surgery and it is recommended for at least two days following the procedure. It is not recommended to engage in physical activity for two to three days after your surgery. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within 48 hours after surgery. Elevating your head with 2-3 pillows while lying down will decrease oozing and swelling. Avoid physical activity or exercise, especially lifting small children, weights, or other heavy objects.
EASE BACK INTO YOUR ROUTINE
After about the third day, for less involved procedures, you can begin to ease back into your exercise routine. Don’t push yourself too hard. Any pain and/or bleeding means you should stop. After 4 days you can go back to lifting heavier weights, but be wary of clenching your teeth. START SMALL after the first day or so, you should start with low impact activities. Yoga, stretching and lifting light weights are an excellent way to get started. If you feel any pressure or pain, though, you should stop immediately. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that you aren’t fully healed yet.
SIGNS YOU SHOULD STOP EXERCISING
Once you’ve waited the proper amount of time, you can go back to exercising. However, you should stop if you experience the following:
- The extraction site begins to bleed
- Swelling has increased
- You develop a fever
- Your sutures have come apart
- Difficulty talking or chewing
- Feeling light-headed or dizzy
Call your oral surgeon and visit us immediately should you experience any of these symptoms.
EXERCISING TOO SOON CAN LEAD TO DRY SOCKET
Dry socket is a painful oral condition that may occur after tooth extraction. It happens when the blood clot at the site of the extraction fails to develop, or it dissolves before your wound heals. If you begin to exercise sooner than your doctor advises, you run the risk of developing it.
Blood clots serve as a protective layer over the underlying nerve endings in the empty tooth socket. Additionally, they provide the foundation for the growth of new bone and the development of soft tissue over the clot.
Exposed nerves result in intense pain in the socket and constant radiation on the side of your face. Dry socket can lead to inflammation, and over-the-counter medications aren’t enough to treat the pain. You will have to consult with your oral surgeon for treatment.
While exercise is normally great for your body and your health, you should take a break from your routine while you heal. Going back to exercising too soon can lead to increased bleeding and pain. It can also have a reverse effect and slow the healing process. It may also lead to dry socket, a condition in which the blood clot becomes dislodged and exposes nerves and bone to food particles and bacteria, leading to an infection.
THE IMPORTANCE OF REST
You should take it easy, especially during the first twenty-four hours. The more intensive the surgery, the longer you should wait. Resting allows your body to heal properly.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A PROPER DIET
While you’re healing, you may be recommended to eat soft or liquid foods. Usually, you are taking in less calories, which means less energy to burn. Strenuous exercise requires plenty of energy. If you plan to get back into exercising, make sure that you get plenty of calories from nutritious sources, which will also aid in your healing.
You may be anxious to get back to your normal routine, but you shouldn’t rush healing. Follow your surgeon’s instructions after surgery and you will be back to exercising in no time.
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding your oral health.