Wisdom Tooth Removal & Recovery — What to Expect
Wisdom teeth (third molars) often need to be removed when they are impacted, cause pain or infection, crowd neighbouring teeth, or are hard to keep clean. Here are the questions patients ask most about removal and recovery.
How long does recovery take?
Most people feel substantially better within 3 to 4 days. Swelling and discomfort usually peak around 48 to 72 hours after surgery and then ease. Full healing of the gum and socket can take a few weeks.
What can I eat afterwards?
Stick to soft, cool foods for the first few days — porridge, soup, yoghurt, mashed potato and smoothies (without a straw). Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy or sticky foods, and avoid straws, since suction can dislodge the healing blood clot.
Is it painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during it. Some discomfort, swelling and tenderness afterwards is normal and is usually well controlled with prescribed pain relief and cold compresses.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
They are usually removed when impacted, causing pain or infection, crowding other teeth, hard to clean, or developing decay or cysts. Not all wisdom teeth need removal — an oral surgeon can advise based on an examination and X-rays.
At JDental Specialists, wisdom tooth removal is performed by a specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon.