Recovering from an oral surgery like wisdom tooth extractions can vary from one person to the next. Some people feel just fine within a few days, while others need about a week to recover. In rare circumstances when dry sockets develop, the recovery time can take up to two weeks.
To ensure you recover as quickly as possible, be sure to follow the home care instructions that we give you (specifically related to your diet, oral hygiene, and rest.)
If you have your wisdom teeth removed on a Wednesday or Thursday, you can probably expect to be able to return to work by the next Monday. At the most, you would probably need a week off from your job or school. Giving yourself a long weekend or planning surgery just before a short holiday can help you minimize your time off work.
For jobs that require physical labor, you might need a bit more time. Overexerting yourself could interrupt clot formation at the extraction sites. As well, if you’re taking a prescription pain reliever, you won’t be able to drive or operate heavy machinery.