Tooth extraction and wisdom teeth aftercare

What to expect, day by day

Healthline's recovery guide gives a typical pattern. Day 1: swelling, pain, some bleeding, possible cheek bruising and numbness. Days 2 to 4: swelling, pain and bruising may peak, then level off and begin to fade. Days 5 to 14: by about day 7 most people are near the end of recovery, with minimal swelling and near-normal jaw movement, although impacted or complicated teeth can take up to two weeks.

Plan at least one or two days off work or school, and arrange a ride home if you had sedation.

Managing bleeding in the first hours

Some bleeding is expected. An NHS trust leaflet advises placing a dampened cotton roll or gauze over the socket and biting firmly for 30 minutes while sitting quietly. Blood mixed with saliva looks like more than it is. If bleeding is heavy or does not stop, contact your clinician or urgent care.

Swelling, pain and rest

Ice and an extra pillow at night can reduce swelling. The NHS leaflet advises avoiding bending, heavy lifting and exercise on the day of the procedure, and notes soreness may last a day or two for a simple extraction. Take pain relief as your clinician advises; the leaflet advises avoiding aspirin unless it was prescribed for a heart condition, in which case tell your dentist.

Eating and drinking

Wait until the numbness wears off, then start with soft, cool foods. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, acidic and very hot foods and drinks, and avoid straws. Cleveland Clinic suggests soft foods for two to three days before adding more solid foods. Our guide on how long after wisdom teeth removal you can eat covers the timeline in detail.

Painkillers, driving and time off

The NHS says paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with pain, and that pain and swelling usually start to ease after one to two days, although stiffness, bruising and discomfort when chewing or swallowing can last up to two weeks. The Kent leaflet advises avoiding aspirin unless it was prescribed for a heart condition.

If you had sedation or a general anesthetic you should not drive straight away. The NHS says not to drive for 48 hours after a general anesthetic or 24 hours after a sedative injection, and Healthline advises arranging a ride home if you were sedated. Plan at least one or two days off work or school, and ask your surgeon for guidance specific to your procedure.

Alcohol and smoking

Guidance asks you to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours, with one NHS leaflet saying 24 to 48 hours, and to avoid smoking for 24 to 48 hours. A 2022 systematic review found dry socket in about 13.2 percent of smokers versus about 3.8 percent of non-smokers, with study differences limiting certainty. See our guide on drinking alcohol after tooth extraction.

Rinsing and cleaning

Avoid spitting, swishing and rinsing for the first 24 hours. After that, gentle rinses with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) two to three times a day for about three days are commonly advised. Do not poke or touch the socket.

Brushing and smoking

Keep your mouth clean, but protect the socket. The NHS says to clean your other teeth carefully and avoid the treated area so you do not disturb the stitches or clot. For smoking, the Kent leaflet advises avoiding it for 24 to 48 hours and the Bedfordshire leaflet says to avoid smoking and vaping for at least 72 hours, so ask your surgeon how long they want you to wait. Our guide on brushing after wisdom teeth removal explains the differences between leaflets.

Dry socket: what it is and when it shows up

Dry socket happens when the blood clot is lost or dislodged before healing, exposing bone and nerve. Timing differs between sources: Healthline says it is possible about three to five days after surgery, while a Bedfordshire Hospitals leaflet says it usually starts within 24 to 48 hours. The main sign in both is a significant increase in pain, bleeding or oozing rather than steady improvement.

Guides in this topic

Frequently asked questions