Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: three minutes.
If you are scheduled for wisdom teeth removal, you are probably wondering about the recovery.
How long will it take? When do the stitches dissolve? What should you do to avoid complications?
In this blog, you will learn what to expect after surgery, how to ensure a smooth healing process, and when to contact your oral surgeon if needed.
Table of Contents
- Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Timeline
- Common Wisdom Teeth Removal Complications
- Tips for a Smooth Recovery
- We’re Here for Your Recovery
- FAQs
Key Takeaway
If you just had your wisdom teeth removed, follow aftercare instructions to avoid complications like dry socket and infection. The stitches should dissolve within 4-7 days, but if you experience persistent pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, schedule a follow-up with your oral surgeon.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Timeline
Recovery after wisdom teeth removal happens in stages, with each phase requiring specific care to promote healing and prevent complications. The timeline below outlines what to expect and how to care for yourself during each step of the recovery process.
| Timeframe | What to Expect | Care Instructions |
| First 24 hours | Bleeding, swelling, and some discomfort | Bite on gauze, use ice packs, avoid strenuous activities, eat soft foods, and take prescribed pain medication |
| Days 2-3 | Swelling at its peak, mild bruising | Continue using ice packs, eat soft foods, and take prescribed pain medication |
| Days 4-7 | Swelling decreases, stitches start dissolving (if absorbable) | Rinse with warm salt water, avoid crunchy or sticky foods |
| Week 2 | Stitches should be fully dissolved, gum tissue continues healing | Resume normal oral hygiene routine, but avoid excessive pressure on extraction sites |
| Weeks 3-4 | Most healing complete, rare cases of delayed stitch dissolution | Follow up with your dental surgeon if there are signs of infection or persistent pain |
Common Wisdom Teeth Removal Complications
While most recoveries are smooth, potential complications can arise. Knowing what to watch for will help you ensure proper healing:
- Dry socket: A painful condition that occurs when the protective blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolves, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. To prevent this, avoid using straws, smoking, or rinsing your mouth too forcefully. Learn how to Avoid Dry Socket After Extraction: Advice from Clearwater Dentistry in Greeley
- Excessive bleeding: Bleeding beyond 24 hours after surgery may indicate improper clot formation. Bite on a piece of gauze and contact your oral surgeon if bleeding persists.
- Signs of infection: Swelling, bad taste, fever, persistent pain, or pus from the extraction site require immediate attention.
- Loose stitches: If stitches come undone too soon, food debris may enter the wound, delaying healing.
- Gum disease & slow healing: Poor oral hygiene, hot foods, and smoking increase the risk of complications and delay healing progress.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Follow these aftercare instructions to speed up recovery and prevent complications:
- Manage pain: Use prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain medication as directed.
- Reduce swelling: Apply ice packs for 10-minute intervals in the first 24 hours.
- Eat soft foods: Stick to a soft-food diet like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups.
- Avoid crunchy or sticky foods: Hard foods may irritate the stitches and disrupt healing.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Use saltwater rinses or an antiseptic mouth rinse to keep the area clean.
- Limit physical activity: Avoid strenuous activities to prevent excessive bleeding and delayed healing.
- Attend follow-up appointments: Your oral surgeon will check your healing progress and remove non-absorbable stitches if needed.
If you experience persistent pain, excessive bleeding, signs of infection, or loose stitches, schedule a follow-up appointment with the dental professional that performed the extraction.
We’re Here for Your Recovery
Your recovery is important to us. If you experience unusual symptoms like persistent pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, reach out to us. Our team is here to answer your questions, monitor your healing, and provide the care you need for a smooth recovery.
If you require wisdom tooth removal in Greeley, CO, we can help. To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, call (970) 515-3550 or visit us at 3110 67th Ave Pl, Greeley, CO.
FAQs
Absorbable stitches dissolve within 4-7 days. Non-dissolvable stitches need removal after 7-10 days by your oral surgeon.
If stitches come out early, the gum tissue may still heal, but the risk of infection or food debris getting stuck increases. Contact your dental surgeon if stitches loosen prematurely.
Look for reduced swelling, minimal pain, and no signs of infection such as pus, severe pain, or persistent bleeding. If you notice indicators of infection, schedule a follow-up appointment immediately.
