If you’ve decided to have your wisdom teeth removed, you’ve chosen an important step for your long-term oral health and function. Located in the very back of your mouth, these third molars can become impacted or misaligned, leading to problems like cavities, gum disease, or damage to nearby teeth over time. While extraction is often the best remedy, it’s understandable to have questions about what to expect during recovery from this surgery.
As your trusted oral surgery partners, the team at Nevada OMS wants to take the mystery out of the process by providing a detailed day-by-day guide to wisdom teeth removal recovery. Having performed hundreds of these procedures ourselves using the latest techniques, we aim to bring confidence by explaining each healing stage in a clear yet reassuring way. You may encounter some short-term discomfort, but following our post-op instructions closely will help ensure the smooth sailing of feeling like yourself again.
Day of Surgery
On this day, you will receive local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the extraction process. After your wisdom teeth have been carefully removed, we will provide prescriptions to manage any pain, swelling, or mouth soreness expected afterward. Rest up for the remainder of the day to allow your body to begin the initial healing phase. Avoid strenuous tasks for at least 48 hours.
Day 1
You may experience mild to moderate pain, some bleeding, and swelling today. Use an ice pack on your cheek for 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off to minimize edema. Any pain medication if needed can be taken as directed by your doctor. Stick to a soft, cool diet like yogurt and soup. Get plenty of sleep.
Day 2
Swelling and discomfort may peak on this day as your body works to resolve the trauma from surgery. It’s important to stay on top of any pain or swelling symptoms with prescribed medication if needed. Continue icing the area and only consume soft, lukewarm foods. Avoid smoking or drinking with a straw, which can dislodge the blood clot.
Day 3-5
Most swelling and bruising should begin improving by now. Transition to non-abrasive, easily chewable foods like cooked vegetables, eggs, and cheese. If a dry socket is suspected due to increasing pain unrelieved by medication, contact our office immediately for evaluation and treatment. Discomfort levels should decrease as your mouth continues to heal.
Day 6-10
Unless you develop a complication, you should feel on the road to recovery by this point. Swelling and bruising should have greatly improved. Cautiously introduce a wider variety of soft, chopped foods requiring simple chewing motions. Return to a normal diet when ready, but watch for symptoms like sharp pain. Continue rinsing with warm salt water to keep the healing sites clean.
Day 11-14
At this point, you should have minimal to no facial swelling or pain. Your extraction sites are well into the final stages of healing involving tissue regeneration and bone remodeling that will continue for up to 12 weeks. Please schedule a follow-up visit with us to ensure wounds have closed properly and all is progressing satisfactorily. With time and patience, the worst will be behind you!
We hope this day-by-day recovery guide brings useful context about what to expect after wisdom teeth removal surgery. Feel free to contact Nevada OMS with any concerns during your healing process – that’s what we’re here for. Soon your memories of this milestone dental procedure will fade, leaving you with a healthier, fully functional mouth.
