How to Recover after Wisdom Teeth Surgery

Co-authored by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS and Jennifer Mueller, JD

Last Updated: August 3, 2024 Approved

Most people between the ages of 17 and 24 begin to grow wisdom teeth. However, in some people, the wisdom teeth don't push through the gums, which could cause pain, swelling or gum ulcers. Impacted wisdom teeth can also push on nearby teeth or damage your jawbone. ^{[1]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} If your wisdom teeth aren't coming out of your gums, then having surgery to remove them is a good idea. With a little preparation and proper treatment, you will recover quickly after wisdom teeth surgery.

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Part 1 of 2:

Making Preparations Before Your Surgery

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1
Set your appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon. Make sure you make your appointment on a day that allows you to recuperate after the surgery. For instance, make your appointment on a Thursday or Friday so that you can recover over the weekend. ^{[2]
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Research source} If you are a woman, and you are on birth control, schedule the surgery after you menstruate to help prevent dry sockets from developing.
- Your menstrual cycle can affect your likelihood of postoperative nausea and vomiting. ^{[3]
  X
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source} Women who take oral contraceptive pills are more likely to have postoperative nausea and vomiting on days 9-15 of their cycle. ^{[4]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
2
Go to the grocery store the night before. Buy soft, easy-to-eat foods like applesauce, chicken soup, yogurt, canned fruit, gelatin, pudding or cottage cheese. ^{[5]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source} You'll need to skip foods that require chewing or foods that are served either extremely hot or extremely cold for a while after your surgery. ^{[6]
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- Also remember that you should not drink alcohol, soda, coffee, or hot beverages the first few days after surgery.
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You may be in a lot of pain, so you want to make sure you have a lot of resources around to keep your mind off of your discomfort. You'll need to take it easy for a few days.
You'll be groggy after the operation, and you'll need someone to drive you home and help you pick up your painkillers at the drugstore. ^{[7]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source}

Part 2

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Taking Care of Yourself After Surgery

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Do not attempt to change the gauze as it will disrupt the clotting process. Once the first gauze pad has been taken off, keep the area clean and leave it alone. Do not attempt to spit blood out frequently as the pressure change in your mouth will inhibit clotting. Instead, use fresh gauze to absorb the blood.
If your wounds are still bleeding at a steady pace after 12 hours or so, stop biting gauze and start biting moist tea bags. The tannins within tea leaves promote clotting, and for some people, the caffeine increases circulation. This process encourages the build-up of clotting platelets within the stitched area, which speeds up healing and recovery time. ^{[8]
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Research source}
3
Rinse your mouth with salt water. ^{[9]
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Expert Source

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS
Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon

Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.} Combine 1 teaspoon of sea salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Take the liquid into your mouth, gently let it soak for a moment then let drizzle out into your sink or toilet. Do not gurgle or spit as this may dislodge the blood clot in the wound. The salt water will promote healing and decrease irritation. ^{[10]
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- Be sure to rinse extra-gently on the first day after surgery.
- Use only the salt water rinse to clean your mouth for the first 24 hours after surgery. Wait until your doctor recommends to start using a toothbrush again (usually safe by the second day). ^{[11]
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  Research source}
4
Use an ice pack to ease pain and swelling. ^{[12]
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Expert Source

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS
Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon

Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.} Ice may be applied to your cheeks to help prevent swelling for the first 24 hours. ^{[13]
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Research source}
- After 24 to 72 hours, ice may continue to help ease the pain, but will be useless in prevention of swelling. ^{[14]
  X
  Research source} If you don't have tools for an ice pack , use a bag of frozen vegetables.
- When enough time has passed, according to the guidelines given to you by your dental surgeon, apply a heating pad to your cheeks. Your body's natural response will cause additional swelling if the ice pack is reapplied.
Whether you're sleeping on your couch or on your bed, place 2 or more pillows beneath your head to elevate your mouth. Elevation will decrease swelling. ^{[15]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
You'll need your water, gauze, painkillers and antibiotics close to you so that you don't have to get up and go to the bathroom to get the things you need. ^{[16]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
The vacuum created within your mouth can dislodge your clots and slow down the healing process. ^{[17]
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Research source}
Both of these activities can inhibit the healing process. You should wait at least 72 hours after surgery to use tobacco products (but longer is better). ^{[18]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
9
Control your pain. You can take prescribed painkillers, or you can take over-the-counter ibuprofen to prevent pain, inflammation and swelling. Skip the aspirin because it could make you bleed and slow your healing. ^{[19]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Make sure to take painkillers as soon as you leave the dental clinic. Take them with a small meal to prevent nausea and vomiting. You may still be numb from the anesthetic, and you may think that you don't need painkillers. However, when the anesthetic wears off, you may find yourself experiencing a high degree of discomfort.
- Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours. The anesthetic along with your pain medication can make these activities hazardous.
- Talk to your doctor if you experience severe nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a different pain medication that doesn't make you sick. ^{[20]
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  Research source}
Count on your spouse, your friends or your family to take care of you while you're recovering. Have them take your phone calls, help you with chores, bring you food and keep you comfortable while you heal. ^{[21]
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Research source}

Lists of Foods to Eat and Avoid

Sample List of Foods to Eat (Wisdom Teeth)

Sample List of Food and Drinks to Avoid (Wisdom Teeth)

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Question

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

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS
Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon
Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim.

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS

Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon

Expert Answer

It can take up to 2 weeks to recover fully. However, you should feel much better after about a week. If you’re worried about how long it’s taking, don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgeon.

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Question

Is the third day the worst after wisdom teeth removal?

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS
Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon
Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim.

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS

Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon

Expert Answer

Many people find that the pain and swelling after surgery is worst around days 3-5. You can prevent some of this by using ice packs regularly during the first 36 hours. You can also manage the pain with over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin). If the pain is really severe, your surgeon may prescribe stronger pain medications.

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Question

Can I brush my teeth after wisdom teeth removal?

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS
Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon
Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim.

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS

Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon

Expert Answer

Your surgeon will probably advise waiting at least 24 hours after the surgery before you brush your teeth. Brushing too soon can damage the incisions and cause excess pain, inflammation, and bleeding.

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Stick to soft foods for a week after your operation. ^{[22]
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Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS
Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon

Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}

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Put a towel over your pillow at night to prevent blood from getting all over your bed.

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Keep your lips well-lubricated, as they will become very dry.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Set everything up at your house before you leave for the surgery. It's a pain to try to get comfortable after the procedure, so save yourself the trouble and do it beforehand.
Try not to laugh or talk too much as you're recovering from wisdom teeth surgery.
Sometimes, drinking cold tea can help stop the pain after your surgery.

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Warnings

Make sure that you get a prescription for an antibiotic if you have a suppressed immune system or if you have difficulty fighting off infections. Consider antibiotics if you have artificial heart valves or congenital heart defects.

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Contact your dentist or dental surgeon if you are still bleeding after 24 hours; if you have difficulty or severe pain associated with opening your jaw; if you have damage to crowns, bridges or the roots of nearby teeth; if you develop dry sockets or if your mouth and lips are still numb 24 hours after the surgery.

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Things You'll Need

Soft, easy-to-eat foods
Movies, games and books
Gauze
Tea bags
Salt
Water
Ice pack
Heating pad
Pillows
Painkillers

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Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS
Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon

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How to Recover after Wisdom Teeth Surgery

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Making Preparations Before Your Surgery

Taking Care of Yourself After Surgery

Lists of Foods to Eat and Avoid

Expert Q&A

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Warnings

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