How to Speed Up Wisdom Tooth Recovery

Caring for your oral health can involve treatments that may not be the most comfortable. Having your wisdom teeth removed is perhaps the most well-known of these situations. These procedures have a bad reputation in the past but nowadays are much more predictable.

While most people focus on their dread of the surgery itself (trust us, it’ll be okay), the real work kicks in after you leave our exam chair, and the recovery process begins.

To help speed up this process, make sure to:

Follow all instructions from your dentist
Keep the area clean
Adjust your diet (soft foods and lots of water)
Take pain medication as prescribed

Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Recovery Timeline

Every patient heals at their own pace, but typically, you’ll feel significantly better after about a week.

The complexity of the procedure plays a role in the after-care instructions your dentist will recommend following wisdom tooth extraction. Simple extractions might heal faster, while more complex removals might take a bit longer. Follow all instructions carefully, as they can make or break your experience.

That said, here’s a quick rundown of the first few days post-extraction:

Day 1-2 Post-Surgery

The hours immediately following surgery (the first 24-48 hours) require extra care and rest.

Swelling and Bleeding: Swelling in the jaw and cheeks is completely normal. Expect some minor bleeding as well, especially on the first day.
Discomfort: Mild to moderate pain is typical, and your dentist will likely prescribe painkillers or recommend over-the-counter options.
Diet Restrictions: You’ll need to stick to soft, simple foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and broths.
Do not rinse or spit or use a straw for the first 24 hours!

Day 3-5 Post-Surgery

Signs of Healing: Swelling should start to decrease, and you may begin feeling more like yourself.
Activity Limitations: Avoid strenuous activities still, as these can disrupt healing or dislodge the blood clot critical to recovery.
Mild Sensitivity: Some residual soreness or sensitivity is common, particularly when you open your mouth wide.

Depending on your post-removal care, you should be back to normal within a week or two.

Tips to Fast-Track Wisdom Tooth Recovery

Discomfort aside, the extra caution and lack of food variety can make wisdom tooth recovery seem endless. Something as simple and routine as brushing your teeth requires a lot of precision, and frankly, it can feel like an inconvenience.

The cardinal rule when it comes to wisdom tooth recovery is to protect the blood clot. This is your body’s natural response to healing, and this blood clot protects the bone. Not only does dislodging the clot (known as a dry socket) lengthen your recovery time, it also feels extremely uncomfortable.

It’s better to remain cautious and take it slow for at least the first week after surgery. Getting active too soon can cause pain and impair recovery. Instead, follow these tips to promote healthy healing and speed up the entire process.

Stick to Post-Op Instructions Religiously

We’ll provide you with guidelines tailored to your recovery. Whether you’re being prescribed mouth rinses or learning how to care for the surgical site, follow all instructions closely.

Apply cold compresses on the first day to minimize swelling and find fast relief, and regularly alternate with warm compresses to help your muscles relax. Trust us—this small step makes a big difference.

Your body heals faster when it’s rested, so make sure you’re giving yourself time to sleep. Elevating your head while you sleep also helps with swelling.

Avoid smoking or vaping entirely during recovery, as they can interfere with healing and might lead to a condition known as dry socket. This might be a great time to explore quitting entirely. Your dentist can help!

Keep the Area Clean

While brushing your teeth is important, avoid the extraction site during the first 24 hours.

Afterward, rinse gently with an antibacterial mouthwash or warm saltwater. This helps keep harmful bacteria at bay without disturbing the healing tissue.

Adjust Your Diet

Hydration is key to recovery, so drink plenty of water. Just don’t use a straw. Stock up on soft, nutritious foods like applesauce, mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, smoothies (minus the straw!), and oatmeal.

Avoid crunchy, chewy, or spicy foods that can irritate the surgical site or slow healing. No alcohol as well.

You might be noticing a pattern: do not use straws! Or rather, avoid creating a “suction” or any kind. Do not spit either in the first 24 hours. This might dislodge the healing clot and lead to a dry socket.

Take Pain Medication as Prescribed

Don’t skip your pain medication, especially during the first couple of days. Keeping discomfort under control will make it easier for you to stick to the rest of your recovery routine.

What NOT to Do During Recovery

Recovery isn’t just about what you do right; it’s also about avoiding things that could slow the process down. Here are some big no-nos:

Don’t Spit Forcefully: Similar to using a straw, this can dislodge the blood clot.
Don’t Poke the Area: It might be tempting to inspect the site, but leave it alone to heal properly.
Don’t Work Out Too Soon: Give your body a chance to rest. Strenuous activity can increase bleeding and delay recovery.
Don’t Eat Hard Foods Too Early: Be patient! Introduce harder foods only once your dentist gives you the go-ahead.

When to Call Your Dentist

While most wisdom tooth recoveries proceed without complications, it’s important to know when to seek help. Call our team right away if you experience any of the following:

Persistent or worsening pain after three days
Fever or chills (potential signs of infection)
Excessive swelling that doesn’t improve
An unpleasant taste or smell (indicating a possible infection or dry socket)

Our Dow’s Lake Dental team is here to support your recovery, so that it goes as smoothly as possible. Never hesitate to reach out if something feels off–you’ll thank yourself later.

Support Your Smile

Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction may seem daunting at first, but with the right care and attention, it’s manageable and even fast-trackable. Follow the tips above, and you’ll be back to enjoying your favourite crunchy, chewy, and spicy foods in no time.

At Dow’s Lake Dental, we’re committed to making your oral health a seamless part of your overall well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team or book an appointment. We’re here to keep your smile fresh, healthy, and beautiful!