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Dr. Ronald Torres
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After wisdom teeth removal: a day-by-day guide

Recovery after wisdom teeth surgery is predictable. Knowing what's normal each day removes half the anxiety; this guide summarizes what I explain to my patients. Your written instructions always come first.

Dr. Ronald Torres Labardini ·

Day by day

  1. Day 0Bite on the gauze for 30–45 minutes. Cold packs outside, 20 minutes on and 20 off. Rest with your head raised. No rinsing.
  2. Days 1–2Swelling increases: that's normal. Keep up the cold packs, take medication on time and eat soft, cool food.
  3. Days 3–4Swelling peaks and starts to go down. Switch to warm compresses if I told you to. Gentle warm salt-water rinses after meals.
  4. Days 5–7Back to your routine. Some stiffness when opening may remain; it improves day by day.
  5. Days 7–10Check-up: I review healing and remove stitches if needed.

What to eat

  • Yogurt, mashed potatoes, lukewarm (not hot) soups, smoothies without a straw, scrambled eggs, refried beans.
  • Avoid crunchy, spicy food, small seeds and alcohol while it heals.

What protects the clot

  • No smoking or vaping.
  • No straws or forceful spitting.
  • No vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours.

When to message me or go to the ER

  • Pain that increases after day three (possible dry socket).
  • Bleeding that won't stop after biting on gauze for 30 minutes.
  • Fever, swelling that grows after day four, or a strong bad smell.
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing: go to the ER right away.