Heal Swiftly After Your Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery

Have you been told you need your wisdom teeth removed? This routine procedure can seem overwhelming, but our dental team at Petrie Advanced Dental is here to support you every step of the way. From high-quality care to a smooth recovery plan, we’ll ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.

To schedule your wisdom teeth removal in Tacoma, WA, contact our Tacoma dentist at (253) 761-5422.

caring for your teeth

What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure to extract one or more of the third molars, located at the back of your mouth. These teeth often emerge between the ages of 17 and 25 and can lead to issues such as:

Impaction: When teeth become trapped in the gums or jawbone.
Overcrowding: A lack of space can shift other teeth out of alignment.
Infection or Decay: Difficulty cleaning these teeth can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Cysts or Damage: Impacted teeth may harm adjacent teeth or create cysts.

Proactive removal of problematic wisdom teeth can prevent long-term oral health complications.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery Timeline

Recovery from wisdom teeth removal typically takes between one and two weeks, with varying levels of pain, swelling, and bruising throughout the recovery process.

Day of Extraction (First 24 Hours)

During the first 24 hours after surgery, here’s what you can expect:

Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal; bite down gently on gauze to manage it.
Swelling and Pain: Use ice packs to reduce swelling and take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications as directed.
Diet: Stick to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, or mashed potatoes. Avoid straws to prevent dislodging blood clots.

Pro Tip: Keeping your head elevated and resting will speed up recovery.

Days 2 and 3

You’ll likely experience your symptoms at their height during this period:

Peak Symptoms: Swelling often peaks around day two or three. Continue using ice packs and switch to warm compresses if needed.
Pain Management: Pain should start to subside. Stay consistent with prescribed medications if required.
Oral Care: Begin gentle rinsing with salt water, but avoid vigorous swishing to protect healing tissue.
Diet: Continue with soft foods, and try to avoid spicy foods or anything that might irritate the wound.

Days 4-7

Expect the following four to seven days after surgery:

Improvement: Swelling significantly decreases, and pain is more manageable.
Stitch Removal: Non-dissolvable stitches may be removed during this time.
Oral Care: Gentle rinsing with warm salt water can help keep the area clean. Avoid vigorous rinsing.
Diet Expansion: Introduce soft, solid foods like scrambled eggs, soft pasta, or smoothies.

Week 2-4

During week two:

Healing: Most of the immediate surgical wounds should be healing or healed.
Diet: You can gradually return to your normal diet, but be cautious with very hard or crunchy foods.
Oral Hygiene: Resume your regular oral care routine but continue to be gentle around the extraction site.

While the surface wounds are generally healed by weeks three and four, the deeper tissue and bone can take a few months to fully heal. However, by this point, you should be able to resume all normal activities without any discomfort.

maintaining oral hygiene habit

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Ice Packs and Pain Relief

Ice packs and pain relief medications can be a game-changer during the recovery process. Here’s what you should do:

Use ice packs wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling for the first 48 hours.
Switch to warm compresses after two days to promote circulation.
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help manage discomfort.

Diet and Nutrition Do’s and Don’ts

Eating soft, nutritious foods and avoiding straws can help protect the surgical site and promote a faster recovery. There are some excellent choices for nourishing your body during recovery.

DO Eat:

Mashed potatoes, yogurt, pureed soups, and soft scrambled eggs.
Nutrient-rich smoothies (without seeds or chunks).

DON’T Eat:

Spicy, crunchy, or hard foods can irritate or damage the surgical site.
Hot beverages that may disrupt healing.

As your recovery progresses, gradually introduce more solid foods, but be mindful to chew with other teeth and gently rinse your mouth to prevent any issues.

Recognizing Potential Complications

While complications are rare, it’s essential to be aware of signs such as:

Severe or worsening pain beyond the first week.
Prolonged bleeding or swelling after day 4.
Signs of infection, such as fever or foul-smelling discharge.

Contact your dentist immediately if you notice these symptoms.

Returning to Work, School, and Daily Activities

A gradual return to work, school, and everyday activities is recommended for a smooth recovery and to minimize the risk of complications.

Take at least two to three days off from work or school.
Avoid strenuous physical activities for about a week.
Gradually return to normal routines, listening to your body for cues.

Prioritizing rest is critical to a smooth recovery.

light-skinned woman smiling

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does pain after wisdom tooth extraction last?

Pain and swelling from wisdom tooth extraction typically lasts three to seven days, gradually diminishing. Severe pain beyond this period may indicate complications like a dry socket or infection.

Why do I experience swelling after the procedure?

Swelling is a natural response to healing. It peaks around days two and three after the wisdom teeth removal procedure and subsides within a week. Use ice packs and warm compresses to manage it effectively.

Our Dentist Will Help Ensure a Seamless Recovery

Your recovery journey is just as important as the procedure itself. At Petrie Advanced Dental, we provide comprehensive post-surgical guidance to help you heal quickly and comfortably.

Ready to book your appointment? Call us today at (253) 761-5422. We proudly serve Tacoma, Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place.