These instructions apply at every Emergency Dental location. Recovery from wisdom teeth typically takes a bit longer than a simple extraction, so follow these closely for a smooth first week or two.
Video coming soon
First 24 hours
Bite firmly on the gauze we gave you for 30–45 minutes, replacing it if it soaks through
Don't rinse, spit forcefully, smoke, or use a straw. These can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket
Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face, 15 minutes on / 15 minutes off, to manage swelling
Stick to a liquid or soft diet like smoothies, broth, yogurt, and applesauce, and stay hydrated
Take pain relievers as directed, and rest with your head elevated on a pillow
Some oozing, light bleeding, and mild bruising near the jaw are all normal today
Day 2–3
Swelling and bruising typically peak around day 2–3, then start improving
Begin gentle warm salt water rinses after meals (¼ tsp salt in a cup of warm water)
Continue a soft diet and avoid crunchy, spicy, or seedy foods that can irritate the sites
Jaw stiffness is common, and gentle stretching can help you regain normal opening
Brush your other teeth normally, but avoid the extraction sites directly
Day 4–7
Swelling should be noticeably reduced and most people return to normal activity
Gradually add semi-soft foods back into your diet as comfort allows
If you have stitches, they typically dissolve on their own or are removed at a follow-up around day 7–10
The extraction sites will continue filling in with new tissue over the following weeks
Call your location if you notice:
Bleeding that won't slow down after 24 hours
Severe pain that worsens rather than improves after day 3–4 (a possible sign of dry socket)
Fever, spreading swelling, or a persistent bad taste or odor
Numbness in your lip, chin, or tongue that lasts more than a few days
Something doesn't feel right?
Reach out to the location that treated you, or walk into any Emergency Dental office.