Can you extract wisdom teeth during the Chinese New Year holiday?

Generally speaking, whether wisdom teeth can be extracted during the Chinese New Year period depends on the condition of the wisdom teeth. If there is no acute pain or inflammation, extraction can be postponed until after the holiday. However, if the wisdom tooth causes recurrent pain, swelling, or damages adjacent teeth, timely extraction is necessary even during the festive season. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If the wisdom tooth has caused no significant discomfort and was only discovered during a routine examination, and considering that meals are abundant and daily routines tend to be irregular during the holiday, it is advisable to delay the extraction. After tooth extraction, patients should avoid spicy and hard foods, refrain from strenuous activities, and maintain good oral hygiene. If proper post-operative care cannot be guaranteed during the festivities, wound healing may be affected and the risk of infection increased. Therefore, waiting until after the holiday, when regular routines resume, is a safer option.

If an acute pericoronitis occurs during the holiday—manifesting as severe pain and swollen gums—or if impacted wisdom teeth lead to decay or pain in neighboring teeth, prompt extraction is required. Delaying treatment may worsen the inflammation, disrupt normal eating and rest during the holiday, and potentially lead to more serious complications later on.

After extraction, patients must strictly follow medical instructions: do not brush teeth or rinse the mouth within 24 hours, avoid chewing food on the extraction side, and consume lukewarm, soft, and finely textured foods. Adequate rest is essential; avoid staying up late and overexertion, and maintain good oral hygiene.