Wisdom Teeth

AJ26 · Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2019 2:27 pm Post subject: Wisdom Teeth

I just got my Wisdom Teeth removed, how long should I wait before playing again and what should I play to get back into it?

Don Herman rev2 · Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2019 3:25 pm Post subject:

Ask your dentist. Take your trumpet and show him. Dry sockets are no fun. Nor are ripped stitches (if any).
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abontrumpet · Heavyweight Member Joined: 08 May 2009 Posts: 1763

2 weeks is a safe bet (but go with your docs recommendation). It's guilt free non-practice weeks. If he doesn't know about trumpet, just ask him when you can use straws again.

When you get back into it. Do 3-5 minute spurts every half hour or so. Build that up over the week. Takes about a week to get close to back to nearly normal.

joey · Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2019 6:40 am Post subject:

I've had several students go through this. Here are some simple rules to follow:

1) Wait two weeks before you consider playing.
2) After two weeks, make sure your stitches are fully dissolved (most stitches used in this procedure, at least in the US, are dissolvable).
3) Make sure all swelling and/or bruising is completely gone. This varies from person to person. Some people bruise more, swell more, or both.
4) Start back slowly with short sessions, no longer than 30 minutes.
5) If you feel any pain: STOP! and go call your oral surgeon.
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Indiana University

John Mohan · Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2019 8:05 am Post subject:

You've gotten great advise here, so I can't really add much. I had my wisdom teeth removed and I took about a week off the horn (and after that then only played up to middle C and nothing loud for about another week or two). Just take it easy, wait until you're healed and you'll be fine. Do not suck on a straw, and be very careful not to let food get on the side of the mouth that the teeth were removed from when you chew. I hope they are doing one side at a time.

Best wishes,

John Mohan
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Betelgeuse215 · Veteran Member Joined: 20 May 2015 Posts: 186

I probably went overkill but I wanted to make sure there was no risk of dry sockets or any kind of injury. I did not play for three weeks. I was aware of the suggestions for two weeks or so but just took the opportunity to add another week for safe measure.

AJ26 · Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2019 11:50 am Post subject:

This post was an actual question, and I really appreciate the people who replied to it as such. I got all 4 wisdom teeth out this past Friday and have Musical Pit rehearsal all this week, Jazz rehearsal Wednesday, Symphony rehearsal Saturday, and an audition the Tuesday after. This post was mainly to see if I would have enough time after recovery to be able to practice for the audition (it is obvious now I won't). I really appreciate all the serious replies as I severely underestimated the recovery time needed! Thanks again!

Ed Kennedy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Posts: 3187

The Army took mine out. I was put on one week of drugs and 2 more weeks of administrative duty before I was back to work (except for playing bass with the jazz band).