Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a common dental procedure, especially for teens and young adults. While the surgery itself is routine, the recovery period can bring some surprises. Understanding what to expect can make healing smoother, less stressful, and more comfortable. Whether you’re preparing for your procedure or caring for a loved one, here are 5 important facts about wisdom tooth recovery you should know.
1. Swelling and Discomfort Are Completely Normal
After your wisdom teeth are removed, it’s common to experience swelling, soreness, and mild bruising around your cheeks and jaw. This is part of your body’s natural healing process. The swelling usually peaks around the second or third day before gradually subsiding over the next week.
Your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend over-the-counter pain medication or prescribe something stronger if needed. Applying an ice pack for 15–20 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours can help minimize swelling and relieve discomfort.
Tip: Keep your head elevated when resting—this helps reduce swelling and promotes better drainage.
2. Soft Foods Are Your Best Friend
During recovery, your mouth will be sensitive, and chewing can be difficult. Sticking to soft foods is essential for both comfort and proper healing. Think yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, soup (cooled), scrambled eggs, and smoothies.
Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or sticky foods for the first few days. These can irritate the surgical site or dislodge the blood clot forming in the socket—an important part of healing.
Tip: Gradually reintroduce solid foods as your mouth feels better, but always chew away from the extraction sites.
3. Avoid Straws and Smoking
After wisdom tooth removal, your dentist will warn you not to use straws, smoke, or do anything that involves strong suction for at least a week. That’s because suction can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the empty socket, leading to a painful condition called dry socket.
Dry socket exposes the underlying bone and nerves, causing intense pain and delaying healing. To avoid this, drink straight from a cup and skip smoking or vaping until your dentist gives the all-clear.
4. Rest is Just as Important as Oral Care
It might be tempting to get back to your regular routine right away, but rest plays a huge role in recovery. Your body needs time to heal, especially in the first 48 hours. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise during this time, as these can increase bleeding and swelling.
You’ll also want to maintain gentle oral hygiene—brush carefully and rinse with warm saltwater after the first 24 hours to keep the area clean without disturbing the clot.
5. Recovery Time Varies for Everyone
Most people feel significantly better after three to five days, but full recovery can take up to two weeks. The exact timeline depends on factors like how many teeth were removed, their position, and your overall health.
If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection (like fever or pus), contact your dentist right away. Otherwise, patience and following post-op instructions will get you back to normal in no time.
Wisdom tooth recovery is a temporary inconvenience that leads to long-term relief and better oral health. With proper care, rest, and a soft diet, you can heal smoothly and avoid complications. Remember—every day gets a little easier, and before long, your mouth will feel good as new.
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph has been practicing dentistry in the Conway community for more than 25 years! He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina, and has since completed over 600 hours of continuing education courses. Today, Dr. Murph stays current through his memberships in the American Dental Association and the South Carolina Dental Association. Need your wisdom teeth to be extracted? Trust us to help! Schedule an appointment online or call (843) 488-4357.