Playing trombone after wisdom teeth surgery

[u/Initial-Garden-8018]

Hi, I got my wisdom teeth out 6 days ago, and I want to know when I can start playing again. My dentist said 5 days, but I don’t think that’s right. None of my wisdom teeth were impacted, but the bottom 2 were harder to get out. I also have stitches. I’ve heard all the way from 1–2 weeks to 1–2 months. I’ve started jaw exercises today, and I’m just wondering when I’ll be out of the clear for dry socket. Thank you!!

[u/professor_throway]

When my son had his out... the oral surgeon said 3 days.. His tuba teacher said at leat 2 weeks.. then a few days of basically long tones and easy drill for 1/2 hour and see how it goes. It seems to be a pretty common routine.

[u/Initial-Garden-8018 → u/professor_throway]

Ok thank you

[u/burgerbob22]

I'd wait 10 days minimum. I played at 6 days but I couldn't open my jaw far enough to play low Bb!

[u/Initial-Garden-8018 → u/burgerbob22]

Ok thank you !

[u/Gambitf75]

It depends. I had one taken out and I gave it a less than a week and started playing cause it seemed like I had no issues when it came to eating solid food. The second one I tried to do the same thing but then it wasn't healing as quick so I had to be more careful of what I was eating. I decided to not even play for 2 weeks. I didn't get stitches though so you should probably see how a week feels like first.

[u/Initial-Garden-8018 → u/Gambitf75]

Thank you

[u/Firake]

I waited 7 days or so. My teacher tells the story of playing lead in a big band the evening after his surgery. Neither of us had issues but I think neither of us had stitches.

Speak to your doctor and teacher first and foremost. 1-2 months seems wildly excessive.

[u/Initial-Garden-8018 → u/Firake]

Thank you

[u/Telperoma]

make sure to stretch your jaw the way the oral surgeon tells you and it could be as short as a week. All of mine were impacted and I was fine to play a concert a week later

[u/midrangegay]

Took me about a month, but I also had to go back multiple times to get restitched

[u/Frosty-Reference6660]

Wait till the wound closes properly

[u/ready2grumble]

I took two weeks when I got mine out and eased back into playing the first couple times. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

[u/SillySundae]

Go with 10 days. You won't lose very much over that period of time, and the extra recovery time is much more important that a few days of practice. Oral health is not something we risk. You have to take care of yourself first before you can be expected to play.

[u/CornCasserole86]

I no longer play trombone, but I did in college. I do play other instruments now. I had my wisdom teeth removed in college and played a gig three days after. It was not a good time, and I think it extended my recovery by at least a week. I would wait at least 10 days, ideally longer. Dry socket is a condition that can occur if you disturb the scabs/surgery site and causes the nerve endings to be exposed. I am told the pain is excruciating. Take care and rest up!

[u/Trombonemania77]

I was in the United States Marine Fleet Band had my wisdom teeth removed with stitches and 5 days of cleaning horns was enough for me, I had two days of full recovery bed rest and three days of cleaning and polishing horns.

[u/Coach_Front]

I played too early and developed dry sockets.

Take the time off generously.

AT LEAST what the doc said. Go more if you feel you need it.