Wisdom teeth are oversized molars that typically emerge at the back of your mouth. They often appear between the ages of 17 and 21, though not everyone develops them. Some people may have no wisdom teeth at all, while others experience partial eruption or teeth that come in at an angle—these are known as impacted wisdom teeth. Impacted teeth can lead to discomfort, swelling, infection, or even damage to nearby teeth.
To prevent complications, your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal surgery. While the procedure is common, it can take up to two weeks for a full recovery. Your wisdom teeth recovery timeline will vary depending on factors such as the number of teeth removed, whether they were impacted, and the complexity of the surgery.
Therefore, understanding the wisdom teeth healing timeline can help you plan for proper rest, follow post-op care instructions, and avoid delays in healing. Which is what this blog is here to help you with!
Wisdom Teeth Healing Timeline
You can expect the healing process to follow a general timeline. However, remember that this is an estimate; it is not set in stone, as many variables can affect the length of time required for wisdom teeth removal.
- Initial 24 hours post-surgery – Expect the formation of blood clots
- 2 to 3 days – Oral inflammation will begin subsiding
- Week one – Your dentist might remove any remaining stitches
- 7 to 10 days – Alleviation of sore or stiff jaw
- Week two – Remaining surface bruising will heal and subside
How to Accelerate the Recovery Process
The space left behind after your wisdom tooth is removed will typically develop a blood clot. Don’t be alarmed—this is a normal and essential part of the healing process. Proper clot formation is a crucial step in your wisdom teeth healing timeline, helping to ensure a smooth recovery. Blood clots are critical to the healing process as they:
- Can prevent excessive bleeding
- Help prevent the wound from becoming infected
- Enables the growth of new tissue
- Add protection to the now exposed bone
Additionally, it is crucial (for at least the first 24 hours post-surgery) to avoid dislodging these blood clots. You should try your best to avoid:
- Mouth rinsing
- Consuming hot beverages
- Eating food where chewing is involved
- Smoking, drinking alcohol, sucking on straws, etc.
What to do Post-Surgery
To support a smooth wisdom teeth recovery timeline, it’s important to inform your dentist about any medications you’re currently taking. This helps prevent complications and ensures you receive the right post-surgical care. After your procedure, your dentist may provide specific advice, such as:
- Biting down on a gauze pad in the operated area for an hour
- Using an ice pack post-surgery for at least the first few hours
- Keeping an ice pack to your face over the extraction area for 15 minutes (this will help reduce swelling and discomfort)
Also, avoid driving for at least 48 hours after your wisdom teeth removal surgery. If possible, take a couple of days off work after your surgery; you can also take medication to aid in pain relief, such as ibuprofen.
Home Care Tips
It’s crucial to ensure the wound remains clean as it heals. You will still need to eat and drink; however, some of your food can easily get lodged in the area where the tooth was removed. This may make keeping the wound site clean a challenge.
Here are a few tips to help keep the wisdom tooth extraction site as clean as possible:
- Use an antiseptic mouth rinse to stave off infections
- Rinse with warm salted water to minimize inflammation and ease the pain of sore gums (only after the first 24 hours of surgery have passed)
- Raise your head while sleeping to enhance comfort
In addition to pain, you may also feel tired or fatigued after your wisdom teeth have been removed. This is a normal part of the wisdom teeth recovery timeline. To support proper healing, it’s important to avoid any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least a few days following your surgery. Giving your body time to rest will help reduce the risk of complications and keep your recovery on track.
What You Should Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Consuming soft or liquid foods is best to help prevent any damage to your post-surgery wounds. Some of these foods may include:
- Noodles
- Bananas
- Soups
- Gelatin
- Yogurt
The first few days post-surgery require you to avoid chewing; you should hold off on solid foods, gum or sticky candy. These can get lodged in the extraction area and cause pain, prolonging healing. Also, try your best to avoid hard or crunchy foods, such as:
- Chips
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Pretzels
- Anything hot or spicy
The Benefits of Early Wisdom Tooth Removal
In many cases, timing can significantly impact the ease and effectiveness of recovery from wisdom teeth removal. Our dentists at Brentwood Village Dental recommend removing wisdom teeth earlier—typically in the late teens or early twenties—often resulting in a simpler procedure and faster healing.
At this age, the roots are not fully developed, and the surrounding bone is softer, which makes extraction less complicated. Additionally, younger patients tend to recover more quickly and with fewer complications, helping avoid potential issues such as crowding, decay, or infections down the line.
Wisdom Teeth Removal at Brentwood Village Dental
Recovery from wisdom tooth removal surgery typically takes about 2 weeks in total (provided the proper aftercare is taken). However, you can continue your daily routine after a few days.
At Brentwood Village Dental Clinic, our experienced team of dentists brings decades of trusted care to every patient. From routine cleanings to advanced procedures like dental crowns, root canals, and wisdom teeth removal, we’re here to support your complete oral health journey. Book your appointment today and experience compassionate, expert dental care tailored to you!
