Wisdom Teeth Extraction Recovery: Day-by-Day Healing Timeline

Typical Recovery Timeline

Day 0 (Surgery Day)

• Bleeding (controlled with gauze pressure)
• Swelling begins; peak at 24–48h
• Pain managed with prescribed/OTC analgesics
• Soft, cool diet; no straws, smoking, rinsing

Days 1–3

• Swelling peaks then gradually subsides
• Bruising may appear (normal)
• Continue soft foods; gentle saltwater rinses after 24h
• Pain decreases; transition to OTC meds

Days 4–7

• Sutures removed (if non-dissolvable) at follow-up
• Discomfort minimal; jaw stiffness improves
• Expand diet to softer solids; avoid extraction sites

Days 10–14

• Most swelling/residual pain resolved
• Normal diet resumed; avoid hard/crunchy foods near sites
• Oral hygiene back to normal (gentle near sockets)

Weeks 4–6

• Bone and soft tissue healing complete
• Full function restored

Key Aftercare Rules

• No smoking/vaping 72h+ (prevents dry socket)
• No straws/spitting 48h+
• Saltwater rinses 2–3× daily after day 1
• Ice packs 20 min on/off first 24h
• Follow surgeon's specific instructions