How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?

On average, recovery from wisdom teeth removal takes three to seven days, according to the South African Dental Association (SADA), and some soreness or stiffness can last up to two weeks. Swelling usually peaks on the second or third day and then eases over about a week. How long it takes depends on how complicated the removal was.

In short

• On average, recovery takes three to seven days, and some soreness can last up to two weeks.
• Swelling usually peaks on the second and third day, then eases over about a week.
• Eat soft food, rest for a day or two, and avoid straws, alcohol, smoking and vaping.
• Worsening pain, a bad taste, a fever or pus can mean dry socket or an infection, and a dentist should see it.
• Swelling towards the eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, or heavy bleeding that does not stop needs a hospital emergency unit.

This article is part of the extractions and wisdom teeth information on this site for patients in Cape Town.

What is normal in the first 24 hours?

These steps suit a simple removal under local anaesthetic, and they build on what to do after any tooth extraction. If a maxillofacial and oral surgeon removed your tooth, follow the surgeon’s written instructions first.

Bite gently on the gauze for 30 to 45 minutes. If it still bleeds, use fresh gauze and press gently for another 30 minutes. Blood-stained saliva for a day or two is normal. Do not rinse, gargle or spit hard for 24 hours. A cold pack on your cheek for 10 to 20 minutes at a time can ease swelling. Rest, and avoid hard exercise for 48 hours.

What happens on days two and three?

SADA says swelling usually peaks two or three days after the removal. The NHS in the United Kingdom says it should start to improve after one or two days, so the timing differs from person to person. Your cheek may bruise, and your jaw is likely to be sore and stiff for three to four days. After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water after meals.

What happens in the first and second week?

Pain usually lasts three to seven days. Any stitches usually dissolve within 7 to 10 days. The NHS says you can usually return to normal activities the day after, though some soreness and stiffness can last up to two weeks. SADA says jaw stiffness can occasionally last two to four weeks.

What can I eat and drink, and can I smoke or vape?

Eat soft food, such as yoghurt, mashed potato or soup, for the first few days, then go back to your usual food as chewing becomes comfortable. Avoid hard, crunchy or spicy food, nuts and seeds, alcohol and very hot drinks. Do not use a straw, because the suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket. Avoid smoking and vaping for as long as possible, and for at least two days. SADA says both raise the risk of poor healing and infection.

What can I take for the pain?

Paracetamol or ibuprofen usually helps, according to the NHS. Follow the packet instructions, and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure. SADA advises against aspirin, because it can increase bleeding. Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom advises taking pain relief before the numbness wears off.

How do I spot dry socket or an infection?

Normal soreness eases day by day. Dry socket is a painful condition in which the blood clot over the socket does not form properly or is lost too early. The same trust says dry socket pain begins two to five days after treatment and is intense, constant and throbbing, sometimes with a bad taste. An infection can bring pain, swelling, a bad taste, pus, a fever or chills.

When should I call the dentist, and when should I go to a hospital emergency unit?

Call your dentist straight away if your pain or swelling gets worse after the first few days, or if you have a bad taste, pus, a fever or chills. If bleeding carries on after 30 minutes of pressure on fresh gauze, call your dentist, and go to a hospital emergency unit if it is heavy or you cannot reach one.

Go to a hospital emergency unit instead if swelling spreads towards your eye or neck. Go there too if swelling makes it hard to breathe, swallow or speak, or if you have a high fever and feel very unwell. Do not drive yourself. Ask someone to drive you or call an ambulance. See the dental emergency guidance and the article on facial swelling from a tooth.

How do I reach Dr Davies?

If your healing does not seem right, call Dr Davies directly on her own mobile, which is shown on this page. You can call in the evening too, and emergency appointments and an after-hours service are available at weekends and on public holidays. Dr Davies treats adults and children at BRS Dental, 12th floor of The Felix, 58 Strand Street, in the Cape Town city centre. This page gives general information and does not replace an examination.