Driving After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Driving after wisdom tooth extraction is one of the first things our patients usually ask about. It is a very important question, and the answer depends on several factors, like the type of anaesthetic and sedation your South Perth Dentist used during your wisdom tooth removal, how strong the pain medicines you take after the procedure are, and how steady you feel after the treatment. In this article, you’ll learn when it’s safe to drive after you’ve had your wisdom teeth taken out and the warning signs that mean you should wait longer.

Why Driving After Wisdom Tooth Extraction Can Be Risky

Here’s the simple reason for that question: right after your wisdom tooth surgery, your body is still recovering. A few things can slow your reflexes or distract you, which makes driving unsafe:

Lingering Anaesthetic: If your mouth feels numb and heavy from the anaesthetic used during your procedure, you may feel light-headed or not fully focused yet. It’s safer to wait until you feel steady.

Sedation in Your System: If your dentist used oral or IV sedation for your wisdom tooth removal, you may feel sleepy and slow for many hours afterwards, so it’s not safe to drive.

Strong Pain Medicine: Taking strong pain medicines like opioids can make you drowsy and slow to react. Wait a little longer until you are no longer taking these medicines and are fully alert. That’s when it is safe to drive.

Dizziness or Sick Stomach: If you’re dizzy or have an upset stomach, you may lose focus, which makes driving after wisdom tooth extraction unsafe. Wait to drive until you feel better again.

Heavy Bleeding or Gauze in Your Mouth: After wisdom tooth removal, you will probably be dealing with bleeding or saliva and using gauze. Avoid driving until the gauze is out and the bleeding has stopped.

Pain and Swelling: Sudden, intense pain after a tooth extraction can distract you, so it isn’t safe to drive.

Tiredness After the Procedure: Even if you didn’t receive sedation for your treatment, the stress of the surgery can make you feel tired or drained. When you are tired, you may not be as fast as usual and may be slow to react, which is dangerous while driving.

For all those unexpected moments when you need urgent help, your Emergency Dentist Perth is just a call away.

When Is It Safe to Drive After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

How soon you can drive after wisdom teeth removal depends on the anaesthetic or sedation you had and the painkillers you take afterwards. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand when driving makes sense for you:

Local Anaesthetic Only

Most people can drive the same day if they have only received local anaesthetic (numbing injections) and no sedation for their treatment. After the procedure is finished, it’s better to wait 30–60 minutes to be sure you feel fine, bleeding is under control, and you’re not taking strong pain medicines. If you feel dizzy or in severe pain, don’t drive.

Oral Sedation

Do not drive for at least 24 hours after oral sedation. These medicines can make you drowsy and slow your reactions through the next day. Arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you. Wait 24 hours, and drive only if you feel fully awake and okay.

IV Sedation

If you had IV sedation for your wisdom tooth extraction, don’t drive for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Have a responsible adult take you home and stay with you. You can drive the next day only if you feel fully alert and are not taking any sedating painkillers.

General Anaesthetic

If you had a general anaesthetic for your wisdom teeth surgery, you should avoid driving for 24–48 hours, because it can make you feel drowsy and slow your reactions. Drive again only when you’re completely clear-headed.

Under Strong Pain Medications

If you’re taking strong pain medicines (for example, codeine, oxycodone, tramadol) or anything labelled “may cause drowsiness,” don’t drive. Wait until you’ve stopped the medication and feel completely alert before driving.

Visit our comprehensive guide on wisdom teeth removal in Perth for more details about wisdom teeth.

Signs You Should Avoid Driving After Wisdom Tooth Surgery

It’s really important to check how you feel before driving after a wisdom tooth extraction. If you experience any of the following signs, it’s best to put off driving for another better time:

Dizzy, Sleepy, or Disoriented: If you feel sleepy or your head is foggy, your reactions will be slow. Wait until you feel fully alert.

Hard to Focus or Slow to React: If the lights, mirrors, or traffic feel “too much,” your brain needs more recovery time. You need to hold off until you can concentrate easily again.

Active Bleeding or Strong Pain: If you’re changing gauze, swallowing blood, or in intense pain, you won’t be able to focus on driving. Rest until the bleeding has stopped and your pain is under control without any sedating painkillers.

Alternatives to Driving After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

While driving after wisdom tooth extraction is not safe, you still have other options to get home safely and comfortably:

Arrange a Lift from Family or Friends: Ask someone you trust to pick you up after your procedure and, if possible, stay with you for a few hours.

Use Ride-Share or a Taxi: You can also arrange a ride-share or taxi to pick you up. It’s safer to let the driver handle the traffic if you’re drowsy, light-headed, or taking strong pain medicine.

Plan Ahead—Don’t Bring Your Own Car: Leave your car at home. Come by drop-off, bus/train, or ride-share. If your car isn’t there, you won’t be tempted to drive before you’re fully alert.

Key Takeaway: Driving Safety First

Take a day off from driving after your extraction. Sedation and strong painkillers can slow your reactions. Wait at least 24 hours or longer if you were sedated or are still taking them. Drive only when you feel clear-headed, steady, and comfortable. If anything feels off, don’t drive yet.

“Always put safety first when considering driving after wisdom tooth extraction.”

Need Advice on Recovery? Speak with Our Dental Team

Every recovery is different, and sometimes it helps to check in with a professional. If you’re unsure about when it’s safe to drive or have concerns about your healing, our team is here to give you clear, practical advice. Call us today: (08) 9474 5083.