Recovery from wisdom teeth removal generally takes about 1 to 2 weeks for full healing, though most people can return to normal activities such as work or school within 3 to 5 days after surgery

Typical Healing Timeline:

• First 24 hours: Blood clots form in the extraction sites, crucial for healing and preventing complications like dry socket

• 2 to 3 days: Swelling and discomfort peak but start to improve; bruising and jaw stiffness may be present

• 3 to 7 days: Pain and swelling begin to subside significantly; soft foods can be introduced

• 7 to 10 days: Jaw stiffness and soreness usually resolve; stitches dissolve if used

• Around 2 weeks: Most symptoms resolve, and the extraction site feels nearly normal; you can resume most normal oral hygiene and diet, though full internal bone healing may continue for months

Factors Affecting Healing Time:

• Number of teeth removed and whether they were impacted (fully or partially unerupted)

• Complexity of the extraction procedure

• Patient’s age and overall health, including conditions like diabetes that may slow healing

• Adherence to post-operative care instructions to avoid infection or dry socket

Aftercare Tips to Promote Healing:

• Rest and stay hydrated

• Eat soft foods and avoid using straws to prevent dislodging blood clots

• Use ice packs to reduce swelling during the first 48-72 hours

• Maintain gentle oral hygiene, avoiding brushing the extraction site initially and rinsing with salt water after 24 hours

• Avoid smoking and strenuous activity for at least a week

In summary, while initial recovery allowing return to daily activities is often within a few days, full healing of the extraction sites typically takes up to two weeks, with complete bone healing extending over several months