Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a rite of passage for many, but what happens after the procedure? Some people bounce back quickly, while others need a few days to feel normal again. At Queensboro Plaza Dental Care in Long Island City, NY, Dr. Michael Nguyen helps patients through every step of the wisdom tooth removal process—including recovery. Here’s what you can expect in the hours and days after your extraction.
The First 24 Hours: Rest & Recovery
The first day after your extraction is all about resting and letting the healing process begin. You’ll likely experience some swelling, mild bleeding, and discomfort, which is completely normal. Here’s how to care for yourself in those early hours:
- Bite gently on gauze – This helps control bleeding. Change the gauze as directed.
- Apply ice packs – Swelling peaks within the first 48 hours. Use ice packs on your cheek in 20-minute intervals.
- Take prescribed or recommended pain medication – Staying ahead of discomfort makes recovery easier.
- Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully – This helps protect the blood clot that forms in the socket.
Eating & Drinking: What’s Safe?
Your diet will need some adjustments in the first few days. Stick to soft foods that don’t require much chewing.
- Good options: Yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies (no straws!), and soup.
- Avoid: Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can irritate the healing site.
- No straws! – Sucking can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket, a painful condition that delays healing.
Healing in the First Week
By days 3-5, swelling and soreness should start improving. You can gently rinse with warm salt water to keep the area clean. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and excessive activity to prevent complications. Most patients feel significantly better by the one-week mark.
When to Call Your Dentist
While some discomfort is normal, watch for signs of infection or dry socket:
- Severe pain that worsens instead of improving
- Foul taste or bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Excessive swelling or pus around the extraction site
- Fever or chills
Recover Comfortably With Queensboro Plaza Dental Care in Long Island City, NY
A wisdom tooth extraction doesn’t have to be a tough experience. With the right care, most patients recover quickly and smoothly. At Queensboro Plaza Dental Care, Dr. Michael Nguyen and his team are here to guide you through every step of healing. If you have concerns during recovery, call us—we’re happy to help!
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