Wisdom Teeth Extraction Recovery Timeline: What Happens Each Day

Wisdom teeth extraction recovery can feel like a bit of a mystery—especially if you’re not sure what to expect day by day. Have you had your wisdom teeth removed, or are you getting into surgery soon?

Understanding how the healing process occurs can allay any anxieties you may have and help you prepare in advance for wisdom teeth surgery.

Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but with the proper care and expectations, you’ll be back to feeling like yourself sooner than you might think.

Day 1: The Day of Surgery

The first day is all about rest and managing the initial discomfort. Right after surgery, your mouth will likely still be numb for a few hours.

Once that wears off, you may start to feel soreness or mild throbbing in your jaw and gums. Your dentist or oral surgeon will have likely sent you home with gauze in place to stop the bleeding.

You’ll need to bite down gently but firmly on it and change it as required. Swelling can start to set in, so keeping an ice pack handy is a smart move—apply for 15 minutes, then remove for 15 minutes.

Chew on soft food like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies (avoid the straw). Take your prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief as directed, and most importantly, rest.

Let your body begin its healing process.

Day 2: Swelling and Tenderness Increase

Don’t be surprised if you wake up with more swelling than the day before. That’s completely normal.

Your cheeks may puff out a little, and your jaw might feel tighter. It can be a bit uncomfortable, but this is your body doing its job to heal.

Today, your focus should be on staying hydrated, continuing with soft foods, and managing swelling with cold compresses. Saltwater rinses can usually start by the end of the day—but only if your dentist has given you the go-ahead.

These gentle rinses can help prevent infection and soothe the area, but be very careful not to spit forcefully.

Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, and smoking. These can interfere with the clotting process and put you at risk for dry socket—something you want to avoid.

Day 3: Peak Swelling and Slight Bruising

By the third day, swelling often hits its peak. You might even notice some bruising on your cheeks or jawline, which can look worse than it feels.

Don’t worry—it’s part of the normal healing process. Your mouth might feel tight or sore when opening it, and your energy might still be a bit low. Take it easy.

If you have been using ice packs, you may opt to use warm compresses to reduce swelling and improve blood flow to the region. Pain should still be manageable with medicine.

At this point, most people are still on a soft diet. Soups (cooled to lukewarm), scrambled eggs, and applesauce are great choices. Keep listening to your body and don’t push it.

Day 4 to Day 5: Turning the Corner

By day four or five, most people begin to feel better. The swelling should start to go down, and the bruising may begin to fade.

The stiffness in your jaw may still be present, but it’s slowly improving. You’ll likely notice that you’re becoming more comfortable with everyday activities—talking, eating, and even light chores.

But take your time. This isn’t the moment to dive back into strenuous activity or eat crunchy food just yet.

Keep doing saltwater rinses after meals and before bed. Brush your teeth, especially near the extraction area, very carefully. The blood clot should still be intact, protecting the healing tissue below.

Day 6 to Day 7: Back to (Almost) Normal

By now, you’re likely returning to work or school if you’ve taken time off. Most of the discomfort should have faded, and you’ll feel a lot more like yourself again.

Many people at this stage can resume eating more solid foods—though nothing too hard or chewy just yet.

If your stitches were non-dissolvable, you may need to go back to your dentist to have them removed. If they were dissolvable, you might notice them starting to come apart or disappear.

While you may not feel completely healed, the toughest part is behind you. Keep monitoring for signs of infection (like increasing pain, swelling, or an unpleasant taste), and don’t hesitate to call your Gordon dentist if something doesn’t feel right.

Week 2 and Beyond: Deeper Healing Begins

In the second week, your gums continue to heal and close over the extraction sites. You’ll be able to return to most normal activities, and your eating habits will continue to improve.

Some people experience sensitivity for a little longer, particularly in colder weather or when eating certain foods. This usually fades with time.

The bone and tissue beneath the gums will take longer—sometimes several weeks to a few months—to completely heal. But on the surface, things will look and feel pretty normal by this point.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

While the timeline gives you a general idea, everyone heals at a slightly different pace. Here are a few practical tips to help your recovery stay on track:

• When you go to sleep, elevate your head in the initial days to minimise swelling.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 72 hours (ideally longer).
• Stay consistent with saltwater rinses once you’re allowed to use them.
• Stick to soft foods longer if you’re not feeling ready for solids—there’s no rush.
• Don’t skip meals; proper nutrition supports healing.
• Listen to your body. If something feels off, it’s worth a quick call to your Gordon dentist.

Let the Healing Happen

Wisdom teeth extraction recovery isn’t a race—it’s a process. Some days will feel a little frustrating, especially if you’re not used to taking it easy.

But healing is your body’s priority, and giving it the time and care it needs will pay off. Whether you’re still icing your cheeks or already easing back into solid meals, know that everything you’re doing now is helping you move forward comfortably.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Gordon

Ready for recovery with the right support?

If you’re preparing for wisdom teeth removal or you’re currently navigating the recovery, having the right dental team makes all the difference. Reach out to your local dentist at 

Northern Dental Gordon to get guidance, reassurance, and the care you need before, during, and after your procedure.

Book a consultation or call us at (02) 9498 8290 today!

We are located at Suite 3, 2 St Johns Ave in Gordon.