Dos & Don'ts After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Recovery after having wisdom teeth removed is usually straightforward, but the first few days matter — a few simple habits make the difference between smooth healing and unnecessary setbacks.

Do

• Rest for the first 24 hours, keeping your head elevated
• Apply ice to the outside of your cheek in the first day to manage swelling
• Eat soft foods — yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, soup — for the first few days
• Take pain medication as directed, ahead of the anesthesia wearing off if possible
• Rinse gently with warm salt water, starting 24 hours after surgery
• Keep the rest of your mouth clean, brushing carefully away from the extraction sites

Add a real photo here — see IMAGES.md

Don’t

• Don’t use a straw — the suction can dislodge the blood clot protecting the socket, leading to a painful complication called dry socket
• Don’t smoke for at least 48–72 hours, for the same reason
• Don’t rinse vigorously or spit forcefully in the first 24 hours
• Don’t eat hard, crunchy, or chewy foods until your dentist gives the go-ahead
• Don’t skip follow-up instructions, even if you’re feeling fine

When to call us

Increasing pain after the first few days, fever, or persistent bleeding aren’t typical and are worth a call rather than waiting it out.

Have questions about your own recovery? Contact our office and we’re glad to help.

For more on this, see our tooth extractions page.