Wisdom Tooth Removal Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for wisdom tooth removal: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Dry Socket Warning
- •NO straws, smoking, or spitting for 5 days
- •Dry socket causes intense pain 2-5 days after surgery
- •Contact us immediately if you experience severe throbbing pain
Diet Progression
- •Day 0-1: Liquids and very soft foods
- •Day 2-4: Soft foods (scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes)
- •Day 5-7: Semi-soft (pasta, soft bread)
- •Week 2+: Resume normal diet as comfort allows
Wisdom Tooth Removal recovery, day by day
Immediate Aftercare
- Bite on gauze for 45-60 minutes, replace if soaked
- Someone must drive you home after sedation
- Rest with head elevated on 2-3 pillows
Swelling Prevention
- Start ice packs immediately: 20 min on, 20 min off
- Ice is most effective in the first 48 hours
- Expect swelling to peak on days 2-3
Diet
- Cool liquids only for the first 4-6 hours
- Advance to soft foods: yogurt, pudding, applesauce
- NO straws, hot drinks, or carbonated beverages
Pain Management
- Alternate ibuprofen and acetaminophen as prescribed
- Take medication on schedule, do not wait until pain is severe
- Prescription pain meds may cause drowsiness and constipation
Oral Hygiene
- Do NOT brush near surgical sites for 3 days
- Gentle salt water rinses starting 24 hours after surgery
- Use prescribed antibacterial mouthwash if given
Swelling
- Jaw stiffness and difficulty opening mouth is normal
- Continue ice packs for 48 hours
- Switch to warm moist heat after 48 hours to help resolve swelling
Recovery Progress
- Swelling and bruising should be decreasing
- Gradually introduce semi-solid foods: pasta, soft bread
- Resume gentle tooth brushing, avoiding surgical sites
Activity
- No strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 5-7 days
- No smoking for at least 7 days (delays healing significantly)
- Return to work/school when comfortable
Healing & Follow-Up
- Attend post-op check (usually day 7-10)
- Stitches may dissolve or be removed at follow-up
- Resume normal diet as tolerated
- Continue salt water rinses after meals
Medications you may be given
Ibuprofen 600mg
Take 1 tablet 3 times daily with food
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500mg
Take 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed for pain
Amoxicillin 500mg
Take 1 capsule 3 times daily until finished
Chlorhexidine Rinse 0.12%
Rinse with 15mL for 30 seconds twice daily. Do not swallow.
Always follow the exact directions your own provider gives you. This is general information, not a prescription.
When to call your provider or 911
- •Fever above 101°F that doesn't respond to medication
- •Uncontrolled bleeding lasting more than 4 hours despite gauze pressure
- •Severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication
- •Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- •Numbness that persists beyond 24 hours
- •Foul taste/odor indicating possible infection
- •Pus or discharge from the surgical site
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 3
Peak swelling
Swelling is worst at 48-72 hours, then starts improving
- Day 5
Resume soft foods
Comfortably eating soft foods and feeling more like yourself
- Day 7
Post-op check
Follow-up visit for suture assessment and healing check
- Day 14
Expected full healing
Resume normal diet and activities
For clinics
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