Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 4 minutes
Wisdom teeth removal is routine for many teens, but recovery does not always feel straightforward. Your teen may wake up sore, swollen, or more tired than expected, and it is natural to wonder if everything is healing the way it should.
We provide dental care for the whole family at our offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, and Hampden. We proudly accept Medicaid and make quality dental care accessible for every child.
| Dental and Vision Care in One Convenient Location At our Denver and Aurora locations, Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics and Youth Vision are conveniently located in the same building. This means your child can receive both dental and vision care at one familiar location, without extra travel or scheduling stress. |
Table of Contents
Feeling Groggy or Tired After Surgery
After the procedure, it is common for teens to seem unusually sleepy or a bit “out of it.” This reaction often worries parents, but it typically relates to the type of sedation used during the appointment.
For the rest of the day, your teen may feel drowsy, mentally foggy, or slower to react, which is why supervision is important. Even if they seem alert, they should not drive, go back to school, or make important decisions. These effects usually fade by the next morning as the sedation fully wears off.
Pain and Soreness in the First Few Days
Some pain and soreness are expected in the first few days after a wisdom tooth extraction. The gums and surrounding tissues need time to heal from the surgical process, so your teen may notice aching or throbbing near the extraction site, tenderness when opening their mouth, or mild jaw stiffness.
Use ice packs during the first 24 hours and take prescribed or OTC pain relief to keep discomfort manageable. As healing progresses, the pain should gradually improve each day rather than get worse.
Swelling and Bruising Around the Jaw
Swelling can look alarming, especially when it peaks a day or two after surgery. This reaction reflects the body’s natural response to healing.
Normal swelling may include:
- Puffy cheeks or jawline
- Minor bruising near the mouth or neck
- Tightness when smiling or talking
Swelling should gradually go down within three to five days. Ice packs are most helpful during the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, when inflammation is highest. After the initial swelling phase, switching to gentle moist heat can support circulation and help ease jaw stiffness as healing continues.
Bleeding and Oozing at the Extraction Site
Light bleeding during the first 24 hours is common. The body forms a blood clot to protect the socket and start healing.
You may notice:
- Pink-tinged saliva
- Slight oozing when changing gauze
- Bleeding that slows with gentle pressure
Bleeding that continues heavily, restarts days later, or does not respond to pressure deserves a call to the dentist.
Changes in Taste or Breath
Some teens report a metallic taste or bad breath after surgery. These changes often result from healing tissues, stitches, or limited brushing around the area.
These symptoms usually improve as healing progresses. If a bad taste or odor becomes stronger instead of better, it may point to infection.
Dry Socket: A Common Complication
Dry socket remains one of the most discussed concerns after wisdom tooth removal. While it occurs fairly often, it is not part of normal healing.
This issue develops when the blood clot dislodges too early, exposing bone and nerves. Symptoms often start several days after surgery and may include:
- Sudden, severe pain
- Pain that radiates to the ear or temple
- Visible bone in the socket
- Strong odor or unpleasant taste
Dry socket requires professional care. Prompt treatment can relieve pain and prevent further problems.
Signs That Point to Infection or Other Concerns
Some symptoms fall outside the expected recovery window and need attention sooner rather than later.
Call the dentist if your teen experiences:
- Fever or chills
- Increasing swelling after day three
- Pus or thick discharge from the site
- Pain that worsens instead of improves
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Early evaluation helps protect long-term oral health and prevents minor issues from becoming bigger problems.
Knowing What’s Normal Brings Peace of Mind
Recovery after a wisdom tooth extraction rarely looks identical from one teen to another. Mild pain, swelling, and fatigue usually come with the territory. Sharp increases in pain, signs of infection, or symptoms that appear later in the healing process deserve closer attention.
If your teen had their wisdom teeth removed at one of our locations and you have concerns about their recovery, call us as soon as possible.
Contact Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics to schedule an appointment at any of our locations.
📍Denver Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 825-2295
📍Aurora Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011 | (303) 343-3133
📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 550 E. Thornton Parkway, Suite 240A, Thornton, CO 80229 | (303) 280-8878
📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 826-3694
FAQ
How long does recovery from a wisdom tooth extraction usually take?
Most teens feel significantly better within three to five days. Dentists may recommend short-term pain medications during this period to keep discomfort manageable. Full healing of the gums can take several weeks, even if soreness fades sooner.
Is it normal for pain to come back after a few days?
New or worsening pain after a few days may signal dry socket, infection, or irritation near healing tissues and should be evaluated. In rare cases, ongoing numbness or tingling could relate to nerve damage, which needs prompt attention.
Can my teen brush their teeth after surgery?
Yes, but gently. Good oral hygiene supports healing, even right after surgery. Your teen should avoid brushing directly over the extraction site at first, since the surrounding gum tissue needs time to close and recover.
What foods are safe after a wisdom tooth extraction?
Soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soups work best early on. Avoid crunchy, sticky, or spicy foods until healing progresses.
