Can You Wear a Night Guard After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Getting your wisdom teeth removed can make even your usual dental routine feel a little different for a while. If you normally wear a night guard, you might be wondering whether you can keep wearing it while your mouth heals — or if it's better to give your mouth a break.

Since the tooth socket needs time to heal, there are a few things worth considering before putting your night guard back in. In this blog, we'll talk about what happens after wisdom teeth removal, how it can affect night guard use, and what to keep in mind as you get back to your normal routine.

What Happens After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars in the far end of your mouth. Although there are individuals who will not encounter any problem with their wisdom teeth, others will be required to have theirs extracted due to impaction or increased risk of cavities and other dental conditions. What then occurs after extraction?

What Happens During a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

The removal of a wisdom tooth can vary dramatically from person to person. This will depend on the position of the tooth and how accessible it is. Some extractions can be perfomed in a dental clinic, while some will required the assistance of an oral surgeon.

Extraction of wisdom teeth usually involves the use of a local anesthetic that makes the area numb so that there is no sensation of pain during the operation. In some cases, especially if the tooth extraction is not easy or if the person feels very anxious, sedation or general anesthesia is recommended by the dentist.

When the tooth is extracted, an incision is usually made on the gum in order for the tooth to be easily removed. This will involve widening of the socket, followed by either removal of the tooth as a whole or in pieces.

How Does the Extraction Site Heal?

After a wisdom tooth is removed, your mouth needs time to heal. You'll usually have the most bleeding, swelling, and soreness during the first few days, but these should gradually improve.

By about the second week, you may already feel pretty much back to normal. That doesn't necessarily mean the tooth socket is fully healed, though. The gum is still healing, and new tissue will gradually grow over the socket in the weeks that follow. In some cases, the socket can take more than a month to fully heal.

So, even if your mouth feels fine again, the extraction site may still need some time before it's completely healed. But what does that mean if you normally wear a night guard?

Can You Wear a Night Guard After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

After extracting your wisdom teeth, resuming the use of your night guard may require some time. Here are a few things to consider:

Why You May Need to Wait

In case you regularly use a night guard, it is recommended that you give it a little time off after your wisdom teeth extraction. The time period after which you will be able to use the night guard again varies for each individual.

Here's a piece of advice: take good care of the healing tooth socket, and don't rush to put your night guard back in. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons also reminds patients to pay extra attention to this area during the extraction site recovery period, and avoid anything that may irritate the surgical wound or put pressure on it.

Since a night guard sits against your teeth and gums, wearing one too soon could be uncomfortable if it presses against or rubs the healing area.

How to Care for the Extraction Site Before Wearing Your Night Guard Again

For your tooth socket to be safe during the healing period, ensure you do the following:

• Keep the area clean. Take your dentist's advice when it comes to toothbrushing, mouth-rinsing, and aftercare of the extraction site.
• Be careful about what you put into your mouth. Select food that will not irritate or lodge in the healing site.
• Allow time for healing. Even though you may feel fine, do not be in a hurry to resume your activities as usual.
• Pay attention to how your night guard feels. Once you're cleared to wear it again, it shouldn't rub against or put pressure on the healing area.

Not sure whether your current night guard is still in good condition? Learn more about when it may be time to replace it.

Ready to Get Back to Your Night Guard Routine?

Before putting on your night guard back, you should ask yourself if it is still fitting well and if it is still clean. If you're unsure about either one, it may be time to consider a new dental guard for your smile.

ClearClub's Custom Night Guards are designed for a personalized, comfortable fit, with an impression-making process you can complete from the comfort of your home. You can also choose from different thicknesses and range of colors, including multi-color options, to suit your preferences.

All the options above are also available through our subscription plan, which will help you stick to your replacement schedule.

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