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What recovery generally feels like

Discomfort, swelling, and a bit of stiffness in the jaw are the most common experiences. The amount of each depends on:

• Whether the extraction was simple or surgical
• How many teeth were removed
• Whether the tooth was deeply impacted
• Your general health and age
• How closely you follow the aftercare advice

Most patients are back to a desk-based job within two to three days, and to full activity within a week to ten days.

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The first 24 hours

This is the most important window. The aim is to let a stable blood clot form in the socket and to keep swelling under control.

• Bite gently on the gauze we provide for around 30 to 45 minutes after the procedure. Replace it once if needed.
• Do not rinse, spit forcefully, or use a straw. All three can dislodge the clot and increase the risk of dry socket.
• Do not smoke. Smoking significantly increases the risk of dry socket and slows healing.
• Use a cold pack on the cheek for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off, over the first few hours to limit swelling.
• Take pain relief as advised — usually starting before the local anaesthetic wears off.
• Eat soft, cool foods on the day of surgery. Yoghurt, mashed potato, scrambled eggs, smoothies (with a spoon, not a straw).
• Rest with your head slightly elevated for the first night to reduce throbbing.
• Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, and vigorous exercise.

Some minor oozing for the first few hours is normal. If you have steady bleeding rather than oozing after the first 30 minutes of pressure, replace the gauze and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. If it has not settled after that, call the practice.

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Days two and three

Swelling tends to peak around day two or three and then improves. The jaw may feel stiff. Bruising on the cheek is normal and harmless.

• Start gentle warm salt-water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) — three to four times a day, especially after eating
• Continue soft foods, but you can start adding more variety as you feel comfortable
• Brush carefully, avoiding the surgical sites for the first day or two
• Keep up the pain relief regularly rather than waiting for pain to build up
• Switch from a cold pack to a warm pack if it feels good — heat helps with stiffness and bruising once active bleeding has stopped

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Days four to seven

Most patients turn a clear corner during this period. Swelling fades, stiffness eases, and you should need pain relief only occasionally if at all.

• You can usually return to most everyday activities by day four or five
• Continue salt-water rinses after meals to keep the sockets clean
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or seedy foods that can pack into the sockets
• Start brushing gently around the area

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Weeks two to six

The gum closes over the socket within one to two weeks. The bone underneath continues to fill in over the following two to three months. Most patients have forgotten about the procedure by the end of week three.

If stitches were placed and they are not dissolvable, you will be booked in for their removal at around one week.

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How to reduce the risk of dry socket

Dry socket happens when the blood clot that should sit in the socket is lost or fails to form. It typically appears around day three or four as pain that gets worse rather than better, often radiating to the ear. It is straightforward to manage — we place a soothing dressing in the socket — but it is more comfortable to avoid.

• No smoking or vaping for at least 72 hours, ideally longer
• No straws or vigorous rinsing in the first 24 hours
• No alcohol for 48 hours
• Avoid spitting forcefully — let saliva pool and swallow rather than spitting
• Stick to soft, cool foods on day one

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Appointment

What to expect each day — quick summary

• Day of surgery: mild bleeding, numbness for a few hours, soft foods, rest with head elevated
• Day 1: swelling beginning, gauze finished, cold packs, regular pain relief
• Day 2–3: peak swelling and stiffness, warm salt rinses begin, soft foods
• Day 4–5: swelling easing, returning to most activities
• Day 7: stitches out if needed, eating most foods comfortably
• Day 14: gum closed over, back to full activity, occasional twinges only

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When to call us

Get in touch if you notice:

• Heavy bleeding that does not settle with 30 minutes of firm gauze pressure
• Pain that is getting worse after day three rather than better
• Swelling that increases after day three
• A fever, a bad taste, or pus from the socket
• Numbness in the lip or tongue that has not started to ease within a few days
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing — this is rare, but if it happens go to an emergency department

After-hours information is on our after-hours dental care page.

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Tips that help recovery

• Plan the procedure for late in the week if you can — that lets you rest over a weekend
• Stock up on soft foods in advance — yoghurt, soup, mashed potato, scrambled eggs, soft pasta, custard, smoothies
• Have pain relief at home before the appointment, not after
• Arrange a quiet first 24 hours — no plans, no driving long distances, no heavy lifting
• Sleep with an extra pillow on the first night
• Keep up the salt-water rinses from day two — they make a noticeable difference

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Who this page is for

This page is useful for patients who have wisdom-teeth removal scheduled, parents of teenagers about to have theirs out, and anyone weighing up whether to go ahead with the procedure. For information on when removal is appropriate, see when to remove wisdom teeth.

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Payment

Health funds and payment

Wisdom-teeth procedures sit under specific item numbers. We are HICAPS providers and can claim your eligible rebate on the day. The amount depends on your individual policy, your level of cover, and your annual limits — your fund can confirm before treatment. See wisdom teeth cover for general guidance.

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FAQs

Recovery FAQs

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Related pages

Related pages

• Wisdom Teeth Removal in Sandgate
• Impacted Wisdom Teeth
• When to Remove Wisdom Teeth