Removing your wisdom teeth can feel like a big step, but the real work happens during recovery. Knowing what to expect and how to take care of yourself can make all the difference, whether you’re already recovering or about to begin the process. This guide is here to help you make your wisdom teeth removal recovery smooth and pleasant.
We’ll walk you through the recovery process, share tips for faster healing, highlight potential risks, and answer the most common questions.
Let’s get started.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery?
After having your impacted wisdom teeth removed, the recovery process starts right away. Here’s what you can expect during recovery:
- Healing The Socket: The hole or socket where your wisdom teeth were removed starts to heal. It may feel tender or sore, but it will gradually close up and heal with time. This process can take a few weeks, but your body is working hard to help you recover.
- Temporary Discomfort: After the surgery, you might notice some swelling around the area where the teeth were removed. This is normal and usually happens in the first few days. You may also feel mild discomfort or tenderness in your gums, especially when chewing or touching the area. This should slowly improve as you rest and care for the area.
- Gradual Improvement: Over time, you will start to feel better. The swelling will decrease, and the discomfort will lessen. You should feel much better after the first week, but the healing process can take longer. Your body is getting stronger every day, and the area is recovering.
Everyone heals at their pace, so it’s crucial to be patient and stick to your dentist’s instructions for proper healing.
Tips For Speeding Up Your Recovery
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal can take time, but there are steps you can take to help your body heal faster. Here are some helpful tips to speed up your recovery and make you feel more comfortable.
Rest And Take It Easy
Your body needs energy to heal properly. For the first few days, it’s important to rest and not do too much. Try to avoid hard activities, including exercise, for at least 3–5 days.
When you rest, you give your body time to heal without putting too much strain on the area where your teeth were removed.
Ice It Up
After surgery, it’s normal for your face to swell. To help minimise the swelling, use an ice pack. Here’s what to do:
- Place the ice pack on the outside of your cheek where the teeth were removed.
- Do this for 15–20 minutes at a time, with breaks in between.
- Continue this for the first 48 hours after your surgery. Ice helps keep the swelling down and makes you feel better.
Follow A Soft Diet
Eating the right foods can help you feel more comfortable and support your healing. Stick to soft foods like:
- Yoghurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Soups
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is important during recovery. Staying hydrated helps your body heal faster. But avoid using a straw to drink.
The suction from a straw might dislodge the blood clot in the tooth socket, which can be painful. Drink water directly from a glass to stay safe.
Rinse Gently
Your dentist might suggest rinsing your mouth with warm salt water after 24 hours from your extraction. This helps keep the area clean.
Yet, be careful not to rinse too hard. Gently swish the water around your mouth, and don’t force it, as this could disturb the healing site.
Follow Pain Management Instructions
After your surgery, your dentist will instruct you on how to manage pain. They may also recommend specific pain medications to help you stay comfortable.
Follow these instructions carefully to manage discomfort and heal more easily. Taking medication on time can prevent pain from getting worse.
These simple tips can speed up your recovery and make you feel better sooner. Remember to be patient with yourself and give your body the time it needs to heal completely.
Risks To Be Aware Of During Recovery
While you should recover well after wisdom teeth removal, it’s important to be aware of some risks that might happen after you remove wisdom teeth. Here’s what to watch for:
Dry Socket
A dry socket might happen when the blood clot that forms after removal in the empty socket is dislodged. This can expose the bones and nerves, which may cause severe pain.
If you feel you have a bad taste in your mouth or experience sharp, constant pain after your surgery, a dry socket could be the cause. Contact your dentist to get the right treatment and relief.
Excessive Bleeding
It’s normal to have a little bleeding right after your surgery. Yet, if the bleeding doesn’t stop after the first day, you should contact your dentist.
It’s important to make sure there are no complications and that the surgical site is recovering as expected.
Infection
After your surgery, you should look for signs of infection. For example, if you have a fever, notice worsening pain, or see swelling that doesn’t go down after three days, it could be an infection.
Infections can sometimes occur, but your dentist can help you get the right treatment to heal quickly.
Nerve Issues
In very rare cases, wisdom teeth removal can cause numbness or tingling in the lips or tongue. This is usually temporary and should go away as the patient heals.
Yet, if you experience this, let your dentist know right away so they can help you.
If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t panic. Simply contact your dentist. Early attention can help you avoid problems and get back on track to a smooth recovery.
How To Avoid Complications
It’s important to take steps to avoid complications after having your wisdom teeth extracted. Here’s how to make sure your recovery goes smoothly and prevent future oral health problems:
Keep Your Mouth Clean
Keeping your mouth clean is one of the best ways to prevent infection and help your body heal.
Be gentle when brushing your teeth, especially around the extraction site. Don’t brush directly over the area where your wisdom teeth were removed.
Avoid Certain Foods
Certain foods can irritate the area where your wisdom teeth were removed. Spicy foods, crunchy snacks, and anything hard or chewy can cause discomfort and delay healing.
It’s also a good idea to stay away from foods that are very hot or cold.
Don’t Smoke Or Drink Alcohol
Smoking and drinking alcohol can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications after wisdom teeth extraction.
It is best to avoid both for at least a week after your surgery. This will help your mouth heal properly and reduce the chance of infection or other problems.
Follow Instructions
Your dentist will give you clear instructions on how to care for your mouth after surgery. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully.
This may include taking medication, attending follow-up appointments, and following the recommended aftercare. Following your dentist’s advice gives you the best chance for a smooth and speedy recovery.
When To Call Your Dentist
If you experience any of the following, reach out to your dentist:
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication.
- Swelling that worsens after three days.
- A bad taste in your mouth or foul-smelling discharge.
- Fever or other signs of infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does wisdom teeth recovery take?
Recovery time can be different for everyone, depending on how many wisdom teeth were removed, their positions, and other factors. Here’s a general idea of what to expect: 
- First 24–48 Hours: You may have some mild pain and swelling.
- Days 3–5: Swelling starts to go down, and pain should get better.
- Day 7 Onwards: Most people feel better and can eat more soft foods.
- 2 Weeks: The area should be mostly healed, but full recovery might take a few weeks.
How long should I avoid solid foods?
Eat soft foods for at least a week. As you feel better, you can start eating solid foods again.
Will I need sutures after wisdom teeth removal?
Some people may need sutures, especially if the teeth are hard to remove. Your dentist will tell you if you need stitching. Sutures usually dissolve on their own, but if not, you’ll need to return to the dentist to have them removed.
How should I sleep after wisdom teeth extraction?
It’s best to sleep with your head raised to help reduce swelling. Use extra pillows to keep your head up while sleeping. Avoid lying flat, as it can make swelling and pain worse.
Conclusion
Recovering from wisdom teeth removal takes time, but you can help your healing by following the tips in this guide. Rest, keep your mouth clean, and eat soft foods to support your recovery.
If you feel worried or have questions during your recovery, a dentist can help. With the right care and patience, you’ll feel better and return to your usual activities soon!
If you’re ready to take the next step in your wisdom teeth care, we’re here in Dubbo to help! Contact Advanced Dental Care today at (02) 6188 7103 to schedule an appointment or ask any questions you have about your recovery. Our team is ready to support you every step of the way.
Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
Sample J. Your Guide to Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery [Internet]. GoodRx. 2022 [cited 2025 Jan 24]. Available from: https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/dental-care/wisdom-teeth-removal-recovery
Smith Y. Tooth Extraction Risks [Internet]. News-Medical. 2021 [cited 2025 Jan 24]. Available from: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Tooth-Extraction-Risks.aspx
Dresden D. What To Know About a Wisdom Tooth Infection [Internet]. Medical News Today. 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 24]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/wisdom-tooth-infection
Miller K. Pineapple Juice and Wisdom Teeth Removal: Does It Help? [Internet]. Health. 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 24]. Available from: https://www.health.com/condition/oral-health/does-drinking-pineapple-juice-help-swelling-wisdom-teeth-surgery
