Overview
Wisdom teeth removal recovery in Melbourne depends on the tooth position, whether bone or gum surgery was required, and the type of anaesthetic used. Most people have peak swelling and stiffness around days 2–3, then feel noticeably better from day 4 onwards.
Locally, the most common decisions are whether you need extra imaging (OPG or CBCT), if a specialist oral surgeon is required, and how to balance comfort, time off work or study, and cost. If something doesn’t feel right after surgery, quick review makes a big difference to comfort and healing.
Recovery timeline: what’s normal
- 0–24 hours: Oozing reduces, blood clot forms. Use gauze as directed. Start prescribed pain relief. Rest with head elevated.
- 24–72 hours: Peak swelling, jaw stiffness and bruising. Cold compresses for the first 24–48 hours, then switch to gentle warmth if advised.
- Days 3–7: Swelling and pain steadily improve. Stitches may start dissolving if used. Gentle cleaning continues.
- 1–2 weeks: Most people return to normal eating and activity. Mild tightness may linger.
- Beyond 2 weeks: Deeper bone healing continues (not usually painful). Any persistent symptoms should be reviewed.
If your pain is worsening after day 3, if a bad taste/odour appears, or if swelling spreads under the jaw or towards the eye, arrange an urgent review.
Aftercare essentials
Do
- Rest, keep your head elevated on 2 pillows the first night or two.
- Use prescribed or recommended pain relief regularly for the first 48–72 hours.
- Begin gentle mouth rinses from day 2 (warm salty water or chlorhexidine if provided).
- Brush other teeth as normal; carefully clean near the surgery site as advised.
- Eat soft, cool foods and drink plenty of water.
Avoid
- Vigorous rinsing, spitting or using straws for 24 hours.
- Smoking or vaping for at least 72 hours (longer is better for healing).
- Alcohol for 24–48 hours and while taking certain medications.
- Hot, hard or spicy foods until comfortable chewing returns.
- Intense exercise for 3 days, longer if advised.
Pain, swelling and bruising
- Pain control: a combination of paracetamol and an anti-inflammatory (if suitable for you) often works best. Follow your dentist’s directions.
- Cold packs: 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off for the first day to limit swelling.
- Bruising: yellow/blue marks can appear and fade over 7–10 days; this is common.
- Numbness: lip, chin or tongue numbness is uncommon and usually temporary if it occurs; report any concerns promptly.
Eating and cleaning plan (first week)
- Day 0–1: Cool, soft foods (yoghurt, smoothies by spoon, jelly, custard, mashed potato, eggs). Do not disturb the clot.
- Day 2–3: Continue soft foods (soup, porridge, pasta, rice). Start gentle salt-water rinses after meals.
- Day 4–7: Progress to tender proteins and cooked vegetables as comfortable. Carefully brush around the sites.
Rinse gently after eating to keep the area clean. Food debris around the socket can slow healing or cause bad taste/odour.
Dry socket: prevention and red flags
Dry socket happens when the blood clot dissolves or dislodges, exposing bone. It typically causes strong throbbing pain 2–5 days after removal, often with a bad taste or smell. It is more likely with smoking or difficult extractions.
If suspected, a quick in-chair dressing can give rapid relief. For urgent help after hours in Melbourne, see Emergency dentist.
Stitches, meds and activity
- Stitches: many are dissolving and fall away in 1–2 weeks. If non‑dissolving, you’ll be booked for removal.
- Antibiotics: only used when clinically indicated. Finish the course if prescribed unless told otherwise.
- Driving: avoid for 24 hours after IV sedation or general anaesthetic and until you feel fully alert.
- Work/study: desk work in 2–3 days is common; physical roles or contact sports often need 4–7 days.
- Travel/flying: consider delaying flights for several days if you had complex surgery; ask your clinician.
Melbourne costs and planning
Fees vary by clinic, imaging, sedation and complexity. As a general guide in Melbourne:
- Clinic extraction (simple): around $200–$350 per tooth
- Surgical/impacted extraction: $350–$600+ per tooth
- OPG X‑ray: $90–$120; CBCT: $150–$300
- IV sedation: $400–$900; Hospital/GA adds theatre and anaesthetist fees
Private health extras may cover part of dental item numbers for extractions. Medicare generally doesn’t cover private dental; public pathways exist but can have wait times. See Wisdom teeth treatment for more on options and referrals.
When to seek urgent help
- Increasing pain after day 3, foul taste/odour, or visible empty socket
- Spreading swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Uncontrolled bleeding despite following instructions
- Persistent numbness or new weakness of facial muscles
Contact your clinic or visit an emergency dentist. Severe facial swelling, fever or difficulty breathing should be assessed urgently at a hospital.
Related pages
Confidential help
If you need guidance on healing time, aftercare, costs or a second opinion, you can send a confidential enquiry below. A local team member can help you compare options and connect with suitable Melbourne clinics.
This site provides information and referral support. It is not a dental clinic.