What can I expect during recovery from a surgical tooth extraction?

Following the removal of your wisdom teeth, you may experience:

• Swelling and discomfort, which is part of the normal healing process. You can help decrease this by using cold compresses or by taking medication as prescribed by your dentist. You may be instructed to drink only clear liquids after the surgery until you can comfortably begin to eat soft foods.
• Numbness and tingling in the face or jaw. Normal sensation should return within a few days but if you experience numbness or tingling longer than a few days, consult your dentist.
• Dry socket. This can occur when the blood clot breaks down sooner than normal. If this happens your dentist may place a special dressing in the tooth's socket to protect it as it heals. Symptoms include a dull ache and foul odor but they may not appear for three or four more days.

Contact your dentist if you notice these symptoms.

Following a surgical tooth extraction, your jaw may be sore, stiff, and swollen. You may need to bite on a gauze for 20 or 30 minutes to allow the blood to clot. You may still have minor bleeding up to 24 hours after the procedure, but avoid touching the wound.