Recovering from wisdom teeth removal takes time, but knowing what to expect at each stage can help make the process easier. With proper care, most patients heal well and return to their routines within a few weeks. At Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Chan provides expert guidance to help you navigate the challenges of recovery. Here’s what you need to know about the stages of healing.
The First 24 Hours: Immediate Recovery
During the first day, your body focuses on forming clots in the extraction sites. These clots protect the area and are essential for proper healing. You’ll likely experience some tenderness, swelling, and light bleeding.
How to Manage Recovery:
- Bite gently on gauze to control bleeding and replace it as needed.
- Use ice packs on your cheeks: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, to reduce swelling.
- Take prescribed medications or over-the-counter remedies like ibuprofen or Tylenol®.
- Stick to liquids and soft foods like soup or applesauce.
- Avoid actions that could dislodge clots, like using a straw, spitting, or smoking.
Rest is key during this phase. Keep your head elevated and focus on giving your body time to recover.
Days 1–3: Swelling Peaks and Early Healing
Swelling can increase over the first two to three days, creating a “chipmunk cheek” effect. Mild jaw stiffness and discomfort are common, but this can be managed with proper care and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Tips to Support Healing:
- Start rinsing gently with the prescribed mouthwash or warm salt water 24 hours after surgery.
- Continue eating soft, nutritious foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies (without a straw). A high-protein diet will help with recovery.
- Avoid strenuous activity, smoking, or touching the surgical area to prevent dry sockets.
- Watch for signs of dry socket, such as intense pain that radiates to your ear or temple.
Minimizing Discomfort with Exparel
Dr. Chan is committed to providing the most comfortable experience possible during your wisdom teeth removal recovery. He offers Exparel, a long-lasting non-opioid anesthetic that can help manage post-operative pain for up to 72 hours. By administering Exparel directly into the surgical sites, Dr. Chan can significantly reduce your need for oral pain medications and help you return to normal activities sooner. Learn more about Exparel® and its benefits.
Days 4–7: Gradual Improvement
As the first week progresses, swelling and pain should begin to subside. You’ll likely feel more comfortable and notice your energy returning.
Care Adjustments:
- Switch from ice packs to warm compresses to ease jaw stiffness.
- Incorporate more soft, substantial foods like pasta or scrambled eggs.
- Gently brush your teeth, avoid the extraction sites, and continue saltwater rinses.
Healing signs include reduced tenderness and the absence of excessive bleeding or unusual discharge.
Week 2: Noticeable Recovery
By the second week, most patients see significant improvement. Swelling and tenderness typically decrease, and any stitches used during the procedure may dissolve or be removed during a follow-up visit.
How to Continue Healing:
- Gradually resume daily activities like work or school.
- Expand your diet to include more solid foods, avoiding anything crunchy or hard.
- Maintain gentle oral hygiene to keep the area clean without irritating it.
Be mindful of lingering discomfort or swelling, which may indicate complications.
Weeks 3–4: Full Recovery
By the third or fourth week, most patients experience near-complete recovery. The extraction sites will continue strengthening as scar tissue forms and bone growth progresses.
What to Expect:
- Jaw mobility should return, allowing for normal opening and closing.
- Lingering numbness or sensitivity is possible but should improve with time.
- Mild sinus discomfort may occur for upper extractions but should resolve independently.
Regular oral care can resume at this stage, and most patients return to a regular diet.
When To Contact Dr. Chan
Dr. Chan’s extensive experience and Board Certification in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery minimize the risk of complications. However, it’s important to monitor for any unusual changes and contact Dr. Chan if you experience:
- Severe pain or swelling that worsens after a few days.
- Symptoms of dry socket, like radiating pain or a bad taste in your mouth.
- Fever, chills, or signs of infection.
- Persistent numbness or tingling that doesn’t improve.
Patience and Progress
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal is a journey, but each stage brings you closer to feeling again. Here’s what you can expect:
- The first 24 hours focus on clot formation and rest.
- Days 1–7 involve managing swelling and preventing complications like dry sockets.
- By Week 2, significant recovery allows for more normal activities.
- Weeks 3–4 bring full recovery for most patients.
Your experience may differ, so following the aftercare instructions is important.
Learn More About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Healing after wisdom teeth removal takes time, and at Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, we’re committed to supporting your recovery every step of the way. Dr. Christopher Chan, our Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, provides expert care focused on making your recovery as comfortable as possible. Learn more about wisdom teeth removal and how we can help you.
