Reviewed By Dr. Robert Barron, DMD
Reading Time: 5 minutes
If you have recently had wisdom teeth removed or are planning the procedure, you might feel uncertain about the recovery process.
In this blog, you will discover practical tips to manage pain, reduce swelling, and promote healing.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Follow your oral surgeon’s instructions and focus on consistent aftercare to prevent dry socket or infection while ensuring a faster recovery.
The Importance of Proper Aftercare
Proper care after wisdom teeth removal helps avoid complications such as dry socket and infection, which can prolong recovery time and cause severe pain.
- Protect blood clots: Blood clots in the extraction sites are essential for healing wounds and reducing bleeding.
- Avoid dry socket: This occurs when the blood clot dislodges, exposing the bone and nerves, leading to severe pain.
- Promote faster healing: Follow aftercare instructions to minimize the risk of infection and accelerate recovery.
Are you wondering if the shape of your face will change after the extraction? Check out our blog: Will Your Face Look Slimmer After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Tips for a Speedy Recovery
Below are expert tips from our oral surgeon to help you manage pain, maintain good oral hygiene, and promote faster healing. For more instructions, check out this page: After Wisdom Tooth Removal.
1. Manage pain and swelling
- Use ice packs: Apply ice packs to your cheeks during the first 24 hours after surgery to minimize swelling.
- Switch to moist heat: After 48 hours, use a heating pad to improve blood flow and reduce muscle stiffness.
- Take prescribed medication: Take your pain relief medication and anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed.
2. Stick to a soft food diet
- Opt for soft foods: Mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, ice cream, and soups are ideal for the first few days.
- Avoid certain foods: Stay away from chewy foods, crunchy foods, spicy foods, hot foods, and carbonated beverages.
- Gradually reintroduce solids: Begin with soft foods after the surgery and introduce regular solid foods gradually over one to two weeks, depending on your healing progress and comfort level.
3. Maintain oral hygiene
- Rinse with warm salt water: Begin rinsing gently with warm salt water 24 hours after surgery to keep the surgical sites clean.
- Avoid vigorous rinsing: This could disturb blood clots.
- Brush carefully: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid the surgical area.
What to Avoid During Recovery
There are certain activities that you will need to avoid for a few days after wisdom teeth removal.
- Using straws: Avoid straws entirely, as the suction can dislodge blood clots and lead to dry socket.
- Drinking alcohol: Alcohol can interfere with healing and increase the risk of bleeding. Avoid it for at least a week, or as advised by your oral surgeon, before gradually resuming moderate consumption.
- Smoking or vaping: Smoking delays healing and increases the risk of dry socket and infection. It is best to avoid smoking for at least two weeks to allow proper healing.
- Strenuous activities: Minimize heavy lifting, intense exercise, or bending over for at least a week to prevent excessive bleeding and swelling.
- Touching the surgical area: Avoid poking or prodding the surgical sites with your tongue or fingers to prevent irritation or infection.
When to Contact Your Oral Surgeon
Contact your oral surgeon immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Excessive bleeding: Bleeding that continues for several hours despite following aftercare instructions.
- Severe pain: Pain that does not improve or worsens after a few days.
- Signs of infection: Symptoms like fever, pus, or swelling that worsens instead of improving.
- Dry socket: Severe pain accompanied by an empty-looking socket where the blood clot has dislodged.
- Difficulty opening your mouth: Persistent stiffness or difficulty opening your mouth.
Prompt communication with your oral surgeon can address these concerns early and ensure a smooth recovery.
Sample Timeline for Recovery
| Day After Surgery | Key Recommendations |
| 0-1 | Rest, apply ice packs, and avoid all solid foods. |
| 2-3 | Begin rinsing gently with warm salt water to keep your mouth clean, and continue with soft foods. |
| 4-7 | Gradually resume light activities and eat soft solids. |
| 7+ | Return to normal oral hygiene and regular activities. |
FAQs about Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Can wisdom teeth grow back?
In rare cases, wisdom teeth fragments can migrate to the gum surface if residual tissue remains after extraction, but this is highly uncommon.
How soon can you talk after wisdom teeth removal?
You can talk immediately after surgery, but it is best to limit conversation for the first 24 hours to ensure that bleeding is controlled by applying adequate pressure with gauze, avoid disturbing blood clots and ensure proper healing.
How to sleep after wisdom teeth removal?
Elevate your head using pillows while sleeping to minimize swelling and prevent bleeding.
Can I brush my teeth after wisdom tooth extraction?
Yes, but avoid the surgical area for the first few days and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
How bad is wisdom teeth removal without anesthesia?
Undergoing wisdom teeth removal without anesthesia would likely be extremely painful and distressing, as the procedure involves cutting into the gums and sometimes removing bone.
What happens if you do not get your wisdom teeth removed?
If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, crowding, infections, gum disease and possibly damage to the adjacent teeth.
Choose Concord Oral Surgery For Wisdom Tooth Removal in Vaughan, ON
If you recently had your wisdom teeth removed at our facility and have concerns about your recovery, do not hesitate to call the office.
If you would like to book a wisdom tooth consultation at our oral surgery office in Vaughan, call (905) 669-2616 or complete the appointment request form.
Check out our Google Reviews and see what our patients have to say about the treatment they received at our oral surgery office in Vaughan, ON.
