May 13, 2024

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bryce Lamer

Knowing what to expect after wisdom tooth removal can relieve a little anxiety, and it is easier to support your recovery when you know the usual signs and symptoms. This recovery timeline for wisdom tooth removal covers days one through twenty-one after surgery—including signs, symptoms, and what to do and avoid.

Timeline for Wisdom Tooth Removal Recovery

Many patients agree that the first day is the most challenging after wisdom tooth removal. Discomfort will peak on the first or second day. But the third day will be milder, and your symptoms will continue to improve. Follow your post-operative instructions closely to minimize your discomfort and promote healing. If your symptoms increase or persist, call your oral surgeon.

What Can You Expect During Recovery?

Day One

On the first day after wisdom tooth removal, plan on resting at home and focusing on your recovery. Relaxation is essential for blood clotting and wound healing. You will not be able to drive, return to work or school, or engage in other activities.

Signs And Symptoms

You may notice the following signs and symptoms on the first day of wisdom tooth removal recovery:

  • Mild bleeding and oozing that will improve within a few hours
  • A blood clot that forms in each surgical site
  • Mild to moderate soreness that you can manage with a pain reliever as directed or prescribed by your surgeon
  • Mouth and facial swelling
  • Jaw stiffness
What To Do

Increase your comfort on the first day with these steps:

  • Bite firmly on the gauze for 30 to 60 minutes after surgery to control bleeding.
  • Replace the gauze every 30 to 45 minutes if bleeding persists.
  • Apply a cold pack to the side of your face and jaw in 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling.
  • Keep your head elevated above your heart while you rest to reduce bleeding.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Eat soft food that does not require chewing.
What To Avoid

Precautions to prevent damage to the surgical sites include:

  • Avoid drinking through a straw because it can dislodge blood clots.
  • Avoid smoking, which interferes with wound healing.
  • Do not rinse your mouth.
  • Avoid spitting.
  • Avoid spicy food and food that requires chewing.
  • Avoid scorching and icy food.
  • Avoid brushing and flossing your teeth.
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages.
  • Avoid eating noodles as they can get wrapped around stiches.

Day Two

On the second day of recovery after wisdom tooth removal, you may still feel slight drowsiness, but many people feel alert. Continue to avoid strenuous activity even if you feel well.

Signs And Symptoms

On the second day of recovery, you may still notice these effects:

  • Mild soreness
  • Swollen mouth and cheeks
  • Jaw stiffness
What To Do

Ways to assist recovery on day two include:

  • Apply a cold pack to the side of your face and jaw in 20-minute intervals as needed.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Eat soft food that requires little chewing.
  • Gently brush your teeth while avoiding the surgical sites unless your surgeon advises against it.
  • Gently rinse your mouth if your surgeon recommends it.
  • Take a pain reliever as directed.
What To Avoid

Precautions to prevent damage to the surgical sites include:

  • Avoid drinking through a straw because it can dislodge blood clots.
  • Avoid smoking, which can dislodge blood clots. It also restricts blood flow and interferes with wound healing.
  • Avoid spitting.
  • Continue to avoid spicy food and food that requires a lot of chewing.
  • Avoid scorching and icy food.

Day Three

Although you may still have some swelling and soreness, it will feel better by day three. However, the complexity of your surgery will affect how you feel. Some patients feel well enough to return to work or school, but your oral surgeon may advise you to wait another day.

Signs And Symptoms

On the third day after wisdom tooth removal, you may experience the following:

  • Decreased soreness
  • Decreased swelling in your mouth and cheeks
  • Bruising
  • Milder jaw stiffness
What To Do

Continue to promote healing with these steps:

  • Apply a cold pack to the side of your face and jaw as needed.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Eat soft food, such as soup, yogurt, soft fruits and vegetables, fish, or beans.
  • Gently brush and floss your teeth while avoiding the surgical sites.
  • Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water or a saline solution.
  • Take pain reliever if needed.
What To Avoid

Precautions for day three include:

  • Continue to avoid smoking.
  • Avoid spicy, sticky, hard, and chewy food.
  • Continue to avoid scorching and icy food.
  • Avoid vigorously rinsing your mouth.

Days Four to Seven

Most patients return to their routine by day four. But continue to avoid heavy lifting, running, and strenuous activity that can provoke bleeding.

Signs And Symptoms

During days four to seven, your relief will include:

  • Minimal soreness
  • Reduced swelling
  • Fading bruises
  • Loosening or dissolving stitches
What To Do

You can do the following on days four to seven:

  • Return to your routine, including work or school.
  • Brush and floss with care.
  • Return to your regular diet without chewing near the surgical sites.
What To Avoid

Continue your recovery with these precautions:

  • Avoid smoking.
  • Avoid sticky, chewy, or crunchy food.
  • Avoid pulling on or touching the stitches.

Days Eight to Fourteen

During days eight to fourteen after wisdom tooth removal, your swelling, discomfort, and bruising will fade away. Although you can return to your entire routine, including exercise, take these precautions:

  • Treat the surgical sites gently because they are still healing.
  • Continue to avoid smoking and allow your mouth to heal.
  • Keep your follow-up visit with your oral surgeon to check the healing progress.

Three Weeks

You will not notice it, but the surgical sites beneath your gums and oral tissue will continue to heal. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, complete healing takes about six weeks.