Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery: Timeline, Symptoms & What to Expect?

TL;DR

• For most patients, wisdom teeth extraction is uncomplicated and followed by a short recovery period of about a week.
• The recovery timeline post an extraction is as follows:
  • Day 1: Numbness from surgery, mild soreness, and bleeding
  • Day 2: Soreness and mild swelling
  • Days 3 and 4: Soreness and swelling peak
  • Days 5 and 6: Things begin returning to normal, mild stiffness
  • Day 7: Complete recovery
• You can hasten your recovery by avoiding smoking and hard, spicy, or sticky foods for a few days. 
• If you notice symptoms becoming better instead of worse, consult your dentist immediately.

Planning Your Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

For many of us, wisdom teeth extraction comes with a reputation for pain and long recovery. Stories of discomfort and swollen cheeks seem to follow everyone who’s ever had it done. If you’re facing the prospect of getting your teeth pulled, it’s natural to replay all the warnings you’ve heard about this dreaded procedure.

Fortunately, a lot of this is myth in 2026. The procedure is relatively simple, pain is minimal and most people are well enough to resume normal life in a few days. Full recovery typically takes about a week. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect after a wisdom tooth extraction so you can plan better, feel confident, and navigate recovery with ease.

Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: A 7-Day Timeline

It helps to know what recovery will look like post-extraction so you can plan your time and pick up on any concerning signs early. 

Day 1: Surgery Day

Wisdom teeth removal typically involves general anesthesia or IV sedation. Right after the procedure, you’ll usually feel some numbness. Do not panic if you drool a little and cannot feel your lips, tongue, or cheeks. 

As the numbing agent or sedating agent wears off, you might begin to feel some minor pain and may even notice some bleeding. Most surgeons send patients home with some cotton or gauze that they can bite down on to stop any lingering bleeding.

You can start eating after the procedure, but you should limit yourself to something cold and soft like ice cream, yoghurt, or a smoothie (don’t use any straws as the suction can dislodge clots in the extraction site). 

As per your dentist’s extractions, you can begin taking OTC pain relief medication to get ahead of any pain and the swelling that usually follows. 

Day 2: Soreness Begins

The numbness wears off completely by Day 2, but is instead replaced with swelling and soreness. This is a very normal response to a localised procedure such as an extraction and is not cause for worry. The best way to control this symptom is to make use of ice packs at 20-minute intervals with short breaks in between. Press them to the side of your face the extraction is on for some relief. 

If possible, most patients tend to stay home from work or school to allow their body to rest but in any case, ensure you keep your head elevated and engage in physical activity. 

Patients are advised to consume nutrient-rich foods but avoid anything hard, sticky, hot, or spicy. 

Good foods to consume include soft eggs, mashed potatoes, and soup. Keep avoiding straws to keep recovery on track. Continue using your pain medication as required.

Day 3: Swelling Peaks

Day 3 is when swelling and soreness usually peak. It’s best to keep using ice packs to manage the symptoms. Your mouth may not open as wide as usual too. However, most (if not all) of your pain should be gone by now. 

You can begin introducing more foods back into your diet and resume a lot of your usual exercise. You should focus on maintaining oral hygiene and rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water per your dentist’s care instructions. 

Day 4: Swelling and Soreness Continue

Day 4 will feel pretty similar to Day 3 and you should continue with your usual symptom relief practices. You may notice some bad breath but this is normal. Continue your hygiene routine as normal.

You should also keep an eye out for dry socket, in which the protective blood clot becomes dislodged from the extraction site, exposing the bone and nerves. This is very rare, but if you feel any sudden, sharp pain, ensure that you reach out to your dentist immediately. 

Days 5 and 6: Things Return to Normal

By Day 5 and 6, things should return to normal! Most patients stop their pain medication completely by this point. You may feel some lingering stiffness in your jaw, but you should be able to resume normal food and exercise by this point. Keep up the good oral hygiene, being careful around the extraction site.

Day 7: The End of Recovery

You made it! By the end of a week, you can begin gently irrigating the extraction site. Your diet should be back to normal and you can begin using straws again. If you notice any concerning symptoms, such as soreness, pain, bleeding, or a fever, contact your dentist immediately. 

Making Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction as Smooth as Possible

Wisdom teeth extractions have long been accompanied by myths of painful surgery and terrible recovery. In reality, the process may surprise you. With just a little planning (and perhaps enjoying some cold ice cream in bed), you’ll be back on your feet the very next day and completely recovered in about a week.

Of course, the success of the procedure also depends on the dentist you choose to consult.

At Norwood Dental, we understand the common fears associated with tooth extractions and take great care to ensure our patients’ comfort. We create a safe space for you to ask questions and address any concerns, while our team works to develop an oral hygiene routine that supports your specific goals and areas of concern. 

Book an appointment with one of the most trusted dentists in Norwood today. 

Address: 222 E Wilson St, P.O.Box 717, Norwood, MN 55368-0717

Contact: (952) 467-3518 // appointments@norwood-dental.com

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