How Long Does Swelling Last After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Swelling after wisdom teeth removal is a normal part of the healing process and usually begins to appear within 6 to 12 hours after the procedure. At Rosecrans Square Dental, we always inform patients to expect some degree of swelling following their extraction—especially if multiple or impacted teeth are removed.

In most cases, swelling is mild on the first day but starts to peak between 24 to 48 hours post-surgery. This happens as your body sends fluid and white blood cells to the area to aid in healing. You may notice puffiness around the cheeks, jawline, or under the eyes, depending on the tooth’s location.

Swelling can vary from person to person. Patients who had complex extractions or impacted wisdom teeth tend to experience more noticeable swelling than those with simpler removals. While some inflammation is natural, the key is to monitor how it develops and ensure it gradually improves with time.

At Rosecrans Square Dental, we recommend applying ice packs in the first 24 hours and following all post-operative care instructions carefully. Our team also schedules follow-ups to check your recovery and make sure that swelling—and any discomfort—is progressing normally.

Swelling from the wisdom teeth removal procedure typically begins to subside around day 3 and improves significantly by day 5 to 7. At Rosecrans Square Dental, we help patients manage swelling from day one with personalized aftercare instructions and regular follow-up when needed.

Here’s what you can generally expect:

● Day 1–2: Swelling increases and reaches its peak
● Day 3–4: Swelling begins to decrease noticeably
● Day 5–7: Most swelling resolves, with only minor puffiness remaining
● After 1 week: Any remaining swelling should be nearly gone

The total healing time varies depending on the complexity of your extraction, your body’s natural response, and how closely you follow post-op care instructions. Patients who had impacted wisdom teeth or infections before removal may take longer to see swelling completely resolve.

At Rosecrans Square Dental, we advise keeping your head elevated, applying ice within the first 24 hours, and switching to warm compresses after that. Drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding smoking, and minimizing physical activity can also help reduce swelling and speed up healing.

If swelling persists or worsens after a week, it’s important to contact your dentist to rule out complications like infection or dry socket.

In most cases, swelling after wisdom teeth removal is completely normal and not a cause for concern. It’s simply your body’s natural inflammatory response to surgery. However, at Rosecrans Square Dental, we always educate our patients about what’s normal versus what may indicate a potential problem.

Swelling is typically expected to peak around 48 hours post-surgery and then gradually improve. If the swelling continues to increase after day 3 and is accompanied by severe pain, fever, or pus, it may be a sign of a complication such as infection or dry socket.

Another sign to watch for is asymmetrical swelling—where one side of the face is more inflamed than the other—or if the swelling begins to feel hard or hot to the touch, which could indicate an abscess or trapped infection under the tissue.

While some discomfort and swelling are part of the recovery, you should never hesitate to reach out if something doesn’t feel right. At Rosecrans Square Dental, we take post-surgical care seriously and encourage patients to call us if they notice anything unusual during healing.

Catching complications early makes treatment easier and recovery smoother. We provide clear instructions and fast support so you can feel confident and cared for throughout the healing process.

Dr. Eun Soo Lee, DDS, at Rosecrans Square Dental, takes a proactive and compassionate approach to minimizing swelling after wisdom teeth removal. With her experience in oral surgery and patient comfort, Dr. Lee ensures every patient receives personalized care designed to promote smooth and speedy recovery.

Before your extraction, Dr. Lee evaluates the condition of your teeth and surrounding tissue to plan the least invasive surgical approach possible. Gentle techniques during removal help reduce trauma to the gums and jawbone—one of the key factors in preventing excessive swelling.

After surgery, Dr. Lee provides a detailed recovery guide that includes when and how to use ice therapy, medication, and elevation techniques. She may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to manage swelling and discomfort effectively.

If you’re at higher risk for post-op swelling—due to impacted teeth or prior infection—Dr. Lee will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress closely. Should any signs of complication arise, she is readily available to adjust your treatment plan and provide additional care. Most importantly, Dr. Eun Soo Lee listens carefully to each patient and ensures they feel supported every step of the way. At Rosecrans Square Dental, you’re not just getting a procedure—you’re receiving thoughtful, high-quality care from a provider dedicated to your comfort and long-term oral health. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 11818 Rosecrans Ave, Ste B Norwalk, CA 90650. We serve patients from Norwalk CA, Artesia CA, Cerritos CA, Santa Fe Springs CA, Downey CA, Bellflower CA, La Mirada CA, Los Alamitos CA, Stanton CA, and surrounding areas.