Updated 27 March 2026
Wisdom Teeth Recovery Timeline
Most people feel normal by day 5-7. Pain peaks at day 2-3. The biggest risk (dry socket) happens in the first 3-5 days. Here is what to expect day by day.
Day 1 (surgery day)
Bite gauze for 30-45 min. Apply ice 20 min on, 20 off. Do not use straws (dry socket risk). Do not rinse or spit.
Day 2-3
Start gentle salt water rinses (after 24 hours). Continue ice packs. Take prescribed pain medication on schedule, not when pain returns.
Day 4-5
Switch from ice to warm compresses for swelling. Jaw stiffness is normal. Try opening and closing mouth gently.
Day 6-7
Keep rinsing after meals. Stitches may dissolve or be removed at follow-up. Avoid the extraction site when brushing.
Week 2
The holes will take 3-4 weeks to fully close. Food may get trapped initially. Continue rinsing.
Week 3-4
Extraction sites are healing but not fully closed. Soft tissue fully heals at 3-4 weeks. Bone underneath takes 3-6 months.
Dry Socket: The #1 Complication
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site dissolves or is dislodged before the wound heals, exposing the bone. It happens in 2-5% of extractions and 30% of impacted lower wisdom teeth.
Symptoms:
- - Severe throbbing pain starting 2-4 days after extraction
- - Pain radiating to the ear, eye, or temple on the same side
- - Visible bone in the socket (white/grey, not dark red clot)
- - Bad taste or bad breath
Prevention:
- - No straws for 7 days (suction dislodges the clot)
- - No smoking for at least 72 hours (ideally 7 days)
- - No spitting or vigorous rinsing for 24 hours
- - No carbonated drinks for 48 hours