How to Speed Up Your Wisdom Tooth Removal Recovery

Dr. Mark Hodge runs Berkshire Dental Group in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Here, he explains how to speed up your recovery from wisdom tooth removal.

In most cases, the post-surgery recovery period after wisdom tooth removal only lasts a few days. The following tips will help speed up your recovery:

• Bite gently on the gauze pad in your mouth periodically, and change pads as they become soaked with blood. Call your dentist or oral surgeon if you’re still bleeding 24 hours after your surgery.
• While your mouth is numb, be careful not to bite the inside of your cheeks, lips, or tongue.
• Do not lie flat as this may prolong bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows.
• Try using an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours. You can use moist heat, such as a wrung-out washcloth soaked in warm water, for the following two or three days.
• Relax after the surgery. Physical activity may increase bleeding.
• Eat soft foods such as gelatin, pudding, or thin soup. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as healing progresses.
• Do not use a straw for the first few days. Sucking on a straw can loosen the blood clot and delay healing.
• After the first day, gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Do not smoke for at least 24 hours after your surgery. The sucking motion can loosen the clot and delay healing. In addition, smoking decreases the blood supply and can bring germs and contaminants to the surgery area.
• Avoid rubbing the surgery area with your tongue or touching it with your fingers.
• Brush your teeth and tongue carefully.

After your wisdom tooth is removed, you may need stitches. Some stitches dissolve over time and some have to be removed after a few days. Your dentist will tell you which type of stitches you’ll be getting.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.