Wisdom Teeth Recovery in North Las Vegas, NV: Healing Timeline, Diet, and Aftercare

What Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Looks Like

Wisdom teeth recovery happens in stages. During the first few days, you’ll likely experience swelling around the mouth and jaw, as well as experience some pain. Your body will create blood clots at the extraction site to protect the sockets, and you’ll be given pain medication. You’ll need to be careful with what you eat, and your food options will be limited.

Over the next week or two, your gum tissue will begin to heal, and your pain will decrease. During this period, you can begin to eat normally again, with a few restrictions based on your recovery speed. You can also decrease pain medication as needed.

While some continued pain is expected, you should see decreases day by day. If your pain does increase, you may have a condition called a dry socket, and should contact Absolute Dental immediately for a same-day emergency appointment.

Wisdom Teeth Aftercare: The First 24 Hours After Surgery

The first 24 hours after surgery is the most critical part of recovery. During this time, you should prioritize rest. Avoid any strenuous activity, as this can negatively impact your recovery timeline and pain level.

Typically, your surgical sites will be covered with gauze, which will help control bleeding. You will likely experience some swelling. You’ll also generally receive powerful pain medication that can help with any discomfort.

During this time, you can apply ice packs to the outside of the cheek. Never place ice or ice packs directly against the skin, as this can result in a cold burn. Rather, wrap the ice pack in a terrycloth towel before placing it on the skin.

During recovery, you should strictly avoid smoking, vaping, or drinking through a straw. The sucking action associated with these activities can dislodge the blood clots at the extraction site, causing a painful condition known as a dry socket.

Finally, eat only soft, lukewarm foods. Foods that are too warm or too cold can damage the blood clots that are protecting the extraction sites, likewise for hard or crunchy foods.

Days Two Through Seven

During days two through seven, your pain and swelling will generally decrease, however, you still want to focus on rest. Even if you are feeling better, it pays at this stage to continue to rest to allow your body to heal. The more you can rest, the faster your recovery.

At this stage, you still need to be careful with what you eat. Soft, lukewarm foods are mandatory. You should also remember to stay hydrated, as this improves the healing process, but do not use a straw. Also avoid any tobacco use, especially smoking or vaping.

By day three or four, you should notice significant reduction in your pain levels, but there will likely still be some tenderness around the extraction site. You may continue to take pain medication as directed.

If you have received stitches, they will generally dissolve within a week.