Adelaide’s Gentle Experts in Wisdom Teeth Removal

Most of our patients feel back to their usual routine within 3–5 days, though full soft-tissue healing takes about two weeks. Any swelling and discomfort typically subside around day 7–10. Complete bone remodelling in the jaw can take several months, but daily activities and light work are often resumed within a week.

Discomfort varies by complexity, but our modern anaesthesia and techniques keep pain at a moderate, short-lived level. You’ll feel pressure rather than sharp pain during the procedure, and post-op soreness is usually managed effectively with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief. Most people report mild to moderate discomfort fading after three to five days.

Inflammation typically peaks around 48–72 hours post-op, so swelling, stiffness, and aching often feel most intense on day 3. By then, initial bleeding has stopped and the anaesthetic has fully worn off, exposing you to soreness. During this window, we advise using diligent cold therapy, rest, and pain management to hasten comfort and recovery.

Current guidelines recommend against removing asymptomatic wisdom teeth prophylactically due to unnecessary risks, such as nerve injury, dry socket, infection, and bone loss. If fully erupted, healthy, and functioning, these molars can remain safely in place with regular monitoring. Extraction is reserved for cases with pain, decay, impaction, or gum disease.

Removing problematic wisdom teeth can protect both your comfort and long-term oral health. One of the biggest benefits is pain relief. As we mentioned earlier, impacted or infected wisdom teeth can cause persistent jaw aches, headaches, or swelling, and removing them often brings immediate relief.

Another key benefit is preventing crowding. As wisdom teeth try to push through, they can shift other teeth out of alignment, especially if you’ve had braces. Early removal helps preserve your smile and bite.

Wisdom teeth are also more prone to decay and gum disease because they’re hard to clean. Extracting them reduces the risk of future infections, cavities, or inflammation that could spread to nearby teeth.

In some cases, removal prevents more serious issues like cysts, damage to the jawbone, or nerve pain, especially when wisdom teeth are impacted and developing abnormally.

Beyond physical health, there’s also peace of mind. Knowing those molars won’t cause sudden pain or emergencies down the line can be a huge relief, especially before a holiday, exam week, or big life event.

Wisdom tooth extraction is a proactive step toward keeping your mouth healthy and your smile aligned.

Do:

• Rest for at least 24 hours after the procedure to support healing.
• Bite gently on gauze to control bleeding and replace it as instructed.
• Apply a cold pack to your cheek (on and off) to reduce swelling.
• Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes.
• Take prescribed medications or pain relief as directed.
• Keep your head elevated, even when sleeping, to minimise swelling.

Don’t:

• Don’t rinse, spit, or drink through a straw for the first 24 hours. This can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket.
• Avoid smoking or alcohol for at least 72 hours.
• Don’t poke the extraction site with your tongue or fingers.
• Skip brushing, but avoid the surgical area for the first day.