Wisdom teeth extraction is a common dental procedure, often recommended when these third molars become impacted, infected, or cause pain. While the procedure itself is relatively routine, recovery can vary from person to person. Understanding what to expect during the recovery process and how to manage your symptoms will help ensure a smooth healing experience.

Here’s a detailed recovery timeline for wisdom teeth removal, from the first few hours after surgery to full recovery.

Immediate Post-Surgery (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after wisdom teeth extraction are the most critical for healing and managing discomfort. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Pain and Swelling

• Pain: After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience pain or throbbing around the extraction sites. This is normal and can be managed with prescribed pain relievers or over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide instructions for pain management.
• Swelling: Swelling around the cheeks or jaw is common and usually peaks 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Applying ice packs to your face for 15-minute intervals during the first few hours will help reduce swelling.

2. Bleeding

• Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal immediately after the procedure. You may be given gauze pads to bite down on to help control bleeding. This should decrease within the first few hours, and you may notice a slight oozing of blood mixed with saliva for the first day.
• Avoid Spitting: Try not to spit forcefully during the first 24 hours as it can disturb the clot that forms in the extraction site and lead to dry socket, a painful condition where the blood clot dislodges.

3. Rest and Hydration

• Rest: Take it easy for the first 24 hours. Avoid strenuous activity that could increase your blood pressure and cause additional bleeding.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water, but avoid using straws, as the sucking motion can disturb the healing site and increase the risk of dry socket.

First Week Post-Surgery (Days 1–7)

The first week of recovery focuses on reducing swelling, managing pain, and keeping the extraction sites clean.

1. Pain and Swelling

• Pain: Pain should gradually decrease after the first 24 hours, though it may persist for several days. You may still need pain medication during this period. By the end of the first week, pain should be significantly reduced.
• Swelling: Swelling will peak within the first 48 hours and then begin to subside. The majority of swelling should subside by day 5 to 7, but some mild swelling may remain for up to a week.

2. Oral Care

• Mouth Rinses: After the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (a half teaspoon of salt in a cup of water) to keep the extraction site clean and reduce the risk of infection. Avoid vigorous rinsing to prevent disturbing the clot.
• Brushing: Continue brushing your teeth, but avoid brushing near the extraction sites until they are fully healed. Gently clean the rest of your mouth to maintain oral hygiene.

3. Diet

• Soft Foods: Stick to soft, cool foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and soup. Avoid hard, chewy, or hot foods that could irritate the extraction sites.
• Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco: These can interfere with the healing process. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least a few days after surgery.

Second Week Post-Surgery (Days 8–14)

By the second week, the most intense symptoms should subside, but some tenderness and mild swelling may still be present.

1. Pain

• Pain should be minimal by this point, though you may experience occasional discomfort when chewing or talking. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be all you need.

2. Oral Care

• Continue to rinse with salt water to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
• You can begin brushing your teeth more thoroughly, but be cautious around the extraction sites. Gentle brushing will help keep your mouth clean while you avoid the healing areas.

3. Eating

• You can slowly start reintroducing normal foods into your diet, but continue to avoid hard, crunchy foods that could disturb the extraction sites. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from where the teeth were removed.

Three to Four Weeks Post-Surgery (Days 15–30)

At this stage, you should notice significant improvements in your recovery process, though full healing is still ongoing.

1. Healing Process

• The gum tissue around the extraction site should begin to heal, though the underlying bone may take several months to fully recover.
• You may notice the formation of a “hole” where the tooth was removed, which will gradually fill in with new tissue.

2. Pain and Swelling

• By this point, pain and swelling should be minimal. Any discomfort you feel should be manageable with over-the-counter medications.
• It’s normal to experience occasional mild sensitivity around the extraction site, but this should improve as time passes.

3. Follow-up Appointment

• Your dentist or oral surgeon may schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing progress. If there are signs of infection or complications, such as persistent pain, fever, or pus drainage, contact your dentist immediately.

One to Two Months Post-Surgery

While most of the immediate symptoms of swelling and pain will have subsided, your gums and bone may still be healing. Full healing of the extraction site can take several months.

1. Bone Healing

• The bone where the wisdom teeth were removed will begin to fill in and reshape. This process can take a few months, so you may notice that the area looks different as it heals.

2. Sensitivity

• Some people experience lingering sensitivity around the extraction site, especially when chewing or brushing. This typically fades over time.

3. Normal Activities

• You can return to your normal activities, including exercise, but continue to avoid activities that put stress on the mouth, such as heavy lifting or contact sports.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

To help your wisdom teeth extraction recovery go as smoothly as possible:

• Follow Instructions: Always follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully.
• Rest: Give your body the time it needs to heal by resting during the first few days.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but avoid straws to protect the healing sites.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of complications, so refrain from smoking for at least a few days after the procedure.

Conclusion

The recovery timeline after wisdom teeth extraction varies from person to person, but most people can expect a significant reduction in pain and swelling within the first week, with full recovery taking several weeks to months. By following your dentist’s instructions and taking steps to manage pain and swelling, you can ensure a smooth recovery process. If you experience any complications, such as prolonged pain, infection, or difficulty eating, contact your dentist for guidance. With proper care, your recovery should be quick, and you’ll soon be back to enjoying your normal routine.