A Complete Guide to Pain Relief, Infection Prevention, and Healing
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that can lead to discomfort, swelling, and—in some cases—complications like dry socket. The good news? Most of these issues are easily preventable with proper aftercare.
Day 5 After Wisdom Teeth Removal: What’s Normal?
Around day five, you should notice that your symptoms are starting to improve. The initial swelling typically subsides, and pain levels should begin to decrease.
However, this is also the window when dry socket can appear—usually between days 3 to 5. Dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot dislodges or fails to form, exposing the bone and nerves underneath. It causes sharp, radiating pain and may require treatment from your dentist.
How Long Does the Pain Last?
Most patients experience mild to moderate pain for 3 to 7 days after wisdom teeth removal. The most intense discomfort usually peaks on day 2 or 3, then gradually subsides.
Pain can vary based on:
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Whether the extraction was surgical
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Your personal pain threshold
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How closely you follow your dentist’s instructions
Post-Op Tips for Surgical Extractions
If your wisdom tooth was surgically removed (involving stitches or bone trimming), you may experience more swelling and discomfort. To ease your recovery:
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Take all prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatories on schedule
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Use cold compresses for the first 24 hours
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Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activity
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Eat soft, cool foods
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Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods
❗ Call your dentist if you have persistent pain after 7 days, swelling that worsens, pus, or a fever—these may indicate an infection.
Care After Simple (Non-Surgical) Extraction
If your wisdom tooth was removed without surgery, recovery is usually easier. Still, proper care is essential:
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Don’t rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours
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Avoid using a straw, as suction may dislodge the clot
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Stick to soft, cool foods (yogurt, applesauce, soup)
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Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 48 hours
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Do not brush directly over the extraction site for the first day
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Don’t touch the site with your fingers or tongue
When Can You Eat Normally?
You can eat soft, liquid foods as soon as the numbness wears off, but avoid chewing near the extraction site.
From day 4 onward, you can begin adding soft solids (like mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs) if pain and swelling have decreased.
Most people can return to a normal diet after about 7 days, but healing varies from person to person.
Fastest Way to Heal After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Want to recover quickly? Stick to these essentials:
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Take pain meds before anesthesia wears off
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Use ice packs for the first 24 hours (20 mins on/off)
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After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses if needed
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Drink plenty of fluids—but no straws
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Rest and avoid vigorous physical activity
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Keep your head elevated when lying down
Oral Hygiene After Extraction
Good oral hygiene supports faster healing. Here’s how to care for your mouth after extraction:
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Begin gently rinsing with saltwater (½ tsp salt in 1 cup warm water) 2–3 times a day starting on day 2 or 3
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Brush and floss the rest of your mouth normally, but avoid the extraction site
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Resume brushing near the extraction area after day 4, using a soft-bristled brush and gentle strokes