.png?width=80&height=80&name=Clove%20Dental%20White%20Small%20(28).png "Clove Dental White Small (28)")
Key Takeaways
- Most swelling happens in the first 2–3 days, then gradually improves.
- Pain usually peaks within 48 hours and becomes mild by day 5–7.
- Soft foods are recommended for the first few days to protect the extraction site.
- Stitches (where used) commonly dissolved between 7 and 10 days.
- Your Beverly Hills oral surgeon will give personalized aftercare instructions to ensure smooth healing.
Wondering how long it takes to recover after getting your wisdom teeth removed? Numerous patients are at a loss for what is normal, particularly in the initial days. The short-answer: the vast majority of the population is much healthier after a week, although the complete recovery may require a few weeks. This is because you know what to expect and you feel ready and confident about the process.
Below, our Beverly Hills oral surgeon team at Clove Dental breaks down the recovery timeline from the first 24 hours to the 30-day mark.
What to Expect in the First 24 Hours
The first day is when most patients notice swelling, mild bleeding, and some discomfort. This is normal, and it’s part of your body’s healing response.
Common Experiences
- Slight bleeding or oozing
- Swelling around the cheeks
- Soreness near the jaw
- Numbness while anesthesia wears off
During this time, we ask you to avoid rinsing your mouth, drinking through a straw, or touching the extraction area. These habits help prevent dry socket, something your Beverly Hills oral surgeon will explain during your visit.
Tips for the First Day
- Keep gauze in place until bleeding slows.
- Apply ice packs for 15 minutes at a time.
- Stick to cool liquids like smoothies or yogurt.
- Take medication exactly as prescribed.
Day 2–3: Swelling Peaks, Then Improves
By the second or third day, the swelling tends to reach its peak. There is a possibility of a stiffening of the jaw, and it might be a little bit uncomfortable to talk or chew.
What’s Normal
- Mild bruising
- Low-grade soreness
- Slight difficulty opening your mouth
At this stage, it helps to switch from ice to warm compresses to soothe muscle tightness. Most patients report feeling much better by day three, especially when following the aftercare plan given by their Beverly Hills oral surgeon.
Day 4–7: Pain Decreases, and Eating Gets Easier
This is the point where many people start to feel more like themselves.
Improvements You’ll Notice
- Less swelling
- Reduced pain
- Easier mouth movement
- Ability to add soft foods like rice, pasta, or eggs.
You are also not to take spicy foodstuff, crispy snacks and anything that can get stuck at the site of healing. Light rinses of saltwater (after day 2) are used to keep the area hygienic and reduce the chances of infection.
If you ever feel unsure about symptoms, your Beverly Hills oral surgeon is always available for questions or follow-up checks.
Week 2: Bruising Fades, and Mild Tenderness Remains
In week two, majority of the patients are near normalcy. Bruising starts to fade and the tenderness is most often mild.
What You Can Expect
- Dissolving stitches (if placed)
- Increasing comfort when chewing
- Minimal swelling
While you may feel better, the extraction sites are still healing internally. Continue to brush gently around the area and stay consistent with saltwater rinses as advised by your Beverly Hills oral surgeon.
Week 3–4: Internal Healing Continues
Towards the third and fourth weeks, the majority of the initial healing is done but the inner tissues remain to close. The occasional tightness or sensitivity is normal.
Typical Progress
- Fully closed gum tissue
- No swelling
- No bleeding
- Improved jaw movement
You can return to your normal diet unless your surgeon recommends waiting longer due to deeper or more complex extractions.
This is also the point where your Beverly Hills oral surgeon may recommend a follow-up visit to ensure everything is healing properly.
Complete Recovery Plan in a Nutshell
Within 24 hours: Swelling begins; bleeding slows
Day 2–3: Swelling peaks
Day 4–7: Pain decreases; soft foods become easier
Week 2: Bruising fades; mild soreness
Week 3–4: Internal healing; normal biting strength returns
Month 2–3: Complete tissue healing
In case your teeth were touched by the wisdom teeth or the removal process was more complicated, you can have a slightly different plan. Your Beverly Hills oral surgeon will give you a more personalized estimate based on the procedure.
How to Speed Up Recovery
Good care will go a long way in ensuring that you feel good after a surgery.
Helpful Tips
- Avoid smoking or vaping for at least 72 hours
- Eat soft foods until chewing feels comfortable
- Keep your head slightly elevated to reduce swelling
- Stay hydrated
- Do not touch the extraction site with your fingers or tongue
- Follow your medication schedule closely
These small habits can help prevent complications and support faster healing.
When to Call Your Beverly Hills Oral Surgeon
While complications are rare, contact us if you notice:
- Persistent or severe pain after day five
- Fever or chills
- Bad taste that doesn’t go away
- Increasing swelling after day three
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Early communication can prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.
Conclusion
The recovery after wisdom tooth extraction is a process that varies in stages and having an idea of what to expect can relieve a lot of the burden. In a matter of weeks, the majority of the patients are completely back to their feet. And with expert guidance from your Beverly Hills oral surgeon at Clove Dental, you’ll have support at every stage of healing.
If you’re preparing for wisdom tooth removal or want a personalized recovery plan, schedule a visit with Clove Dental today. We exist to have you live a hassle free life.
FAQs
- How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth removal?
The majority of individuals are able to get well enough in 5-7 days. The swelling tends to improve within days 2-3, and it may take weeks to completely heal internally.
- When should I expect the most swelling?
Swelling is usually worst around day 2 or 3 after surgery and then gradually improves.
- When can I start eating normal foods again?
Soft foods are recommended for the first few days. Most patients begin adding regular foods by week two, depending on comfort and healing.
- How long do stitches take to dissolve?
If dissolvable stitches were used, they typically dissolve within 7–10 days.
- Is it normal to feel pain after a few days?
Yes. Pain usually peaks within 48 hours and then improves. If pain gets worse after day 4, contact your Beverly Hills oral surgeon because it may be a sign of dry socket.
- When can I go back to work or school?
Many patients return within 2–3 days, but recovery time varies depending on how complex the extraction was.
