If you're looking for several tips to a quick wisdom tooth extraction recovery, we are here to help you out. Learn more here!

What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal

As previously mentioned, the recovery process can take a few days for you to start to feel back to normal. Some people are back at it in a day or two, others take a bit longer.

Preparing yourself for the experience ahead of time can benefit you a great deal. The day after the wisdom tooth extraction, you'll feel a bit of pain and throbbing in your cheeks and jaw. That pain might continue for up to 3 days.

You'll also notice that your cheeks are incredibly swollen. If so, don't be alarmed, just apply a bit of ice to your cheeks for around 20 minutes at a time. Applying ice is helpful for the first two days.

Be sure to make accommodations for yourself ahead of time. Have someone drive you to and from the dentist's office. Take a sick day or two off of work in preparation for your pain so you can concentrate on healing and getting plenty of rest.

Don't be surprised if you feel, see, or taste blood for the first couple of hours after the wisdom tooth extraction. Simply switch out the gauze in your mouth every hour until the bleeding subsides.

6 Things to Do After Wisdom Teeth Removal

While the pain might significantly subside within a few days, it will take a few weeks for the socket to completely heal.

Be sure to follow these six tips below as much as possible in order to have your socket (and pain) completely healed in only two to three weeks.

1. Prioritize Rest

As with any major surgery or extraction, finding the time to rest is a very important part of your recovery. Take a day or two off of work to give yourself time to focus on negating the pain. 

Don't commit yourself to any intense productivity or physical movement for the first day or so after the wisdom teeth removal procedure.

2. Focus on What You Eat

Possibly the most important part of this recovery process is controlling your diet to only soft foods. It's important to know what to eat after the extraction.

Try to eat things like applesauce, ice cream, smoothies, and pudding for the first 24 to 48 hours. Once the pain starts to go away, you can transition to semi-solid food and then solid food a few days after that.

3. Bite Down on Gauze Every So Often

While this might sound counterproductive to the healing process, it's actually quite helpful to your recovery.

If left stagnant, your blood might not be able to clot, causing more pain and slowing down the recovery process. Before you switch out your gauze pad, be sure to bite down (not too hard). Try to bite down for a few minutes at a time.

4. Use Salt Water

As you recover from your wisdom tooth extraction, saltwater will be your go-to form of mouthwash. 

At least 6 times a day, be sure to mix 8 ounces of water with a teaspoon of salt. Sip it into your mouth and softly rinse your mouth with salt water from side to side.

5. Use Pain Relievers

Another reason it's important to take time off from work is to allow yourself the time to rest while taking pain-relieving medication. 

Depending on your situation, the dentist might prescribe you a certain medication for you to take for the first day or two. Be sure to follow their directions on the proper dosage.

6. Use Ice Often

Along with pain medication and saltwater, you'll want to make sure and ice the wound several times a day for around 15 or 20 minutes at a time.

Place some ice in a Ziploc back, then press the bag up against the outside of your cheek where the pain is most significant. After two days, be sure to switch out the ice bag for a heating pad.

Things Not to Do After Wisdom Teeth Removal

While many things can help your recovery from wisdom tooth extraction, there are also things that can hinder it.



First, under no circumstances should you drink or smoke during the first 2 days of recovery. Try to refrain from doing either for the first week.

Don't eat anything that requires a heavy amount of chewing. For your mouth to heal, it will need a break from chewing on solid foods.

Lastly, don't drink anything besides water for the first day or two. Refrain from sucking on a straw, as it might place too much pressure and cause the wound to open up on your socket(s).

Find the Right Dentist for Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction

The most important part of proper recovery is finding the right dentist for your wisdom tooth extraction. They'll help you experience the fastest recovery process possible.



Be sure to read this article for more information on what you can eat after a wisdom tooth extraction.

For more inquiries, please be sure to reach out via our contact us page and we will be happy to assist you further.