The 2026 Healing Timeline
Most patients find that the initial recovery after a wisdom tooth extraction takes about 3 to 5 days for the bulk of the swelling and discomfort to subside. However, full tissue healing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks.
- The First 24 Hours: This is the most critical window. Your body is working to form a blood clot in the socket, which acts as a protective barrier.
- Days 2–3: Swelling usually peaks during this time. Using ice packs and keeping your head elevated are essential steps we recommend to our patients from Calabasas to Tarzana.
- Day 7 and Beyond: Most “surface” healing is complete, and any dissolvable stitches will begin to disappear.
If you are a patient who requires multiple extractions as part of a larger plan, such as those working with a full-mouth reconstruction dentist in Los Angeles, your timeline may be slightly extended to account for the comprehensive nature of the care.
Maximizing Comfort During Recovery
To speed up your recovery after a wisdom tooth extraction, focus on “The Three S’s”: Soft foods, Sleep, and Saltwater rinses. In 2026, we also utilize advanced platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) techniques to accelerate bone and tissue regeneration, which can shave days off your total healing time.
For those who feel significant anxiety about the healing phase, our experience as a sedation dentist near me allows us to provide a seamless transition from the procedure to home care, ensuring you are comfortable every step of the way. Whether you are in West Hills or Canoga Park, following our precise aftercare instructions is the best way to avoid a return visit for a dry socket.
When Can You Return to Normal?
You can typically return to school or light desk work after 3 days. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise for at least a week, as a spike in blood pressure can dislodge the healing clot. As a dentist in Los Angeles, I always advise my patients to listen to their bodies—if it throbs when you move, it’s too soon to hit the gym.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When can I start eating solid foods again? A: Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies for the first 3 to 5 days. You can gradually reintroduce solids as your jaw stiffness subsides.
Q: Is it normal to have a “hole” in my gums after a week? A: Yes. While the gum tissue closes relatively quickly, the deep socket where the tooth was located can take several weeks to fill in with new bone.
Q: What are the signs of an infection? A: If you experience a fever, a foul taste in your mouth, or swelling that gets worse after the third day, contact our Woodland Hills office immediately.
Q: How do I prevent dry socket? A: Avoid straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing for at least the first five days. These actions create suction that can pull the blood clot out of the socket.+1
Start Your Healing Journey with the Experts
Ensuring a smooth recovery after a wisdom tooth extraction starts with a precise, expert procedure. My team and I are dedicated to providing the highest level of surgical care to our neighbors in Woodland Hills and across the San Fernando Valley.
View our Woodland Hills office on Google Maps
Dr. Ahdout 22116 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364, United States
818-340-3062
