Pain, swelling, or infection
When to call after wisdom teeth removal
Some discomfort, mild swelling, bruising, and a small amount of bleeding can be normal after wisdom teeth removal. Certain symptoms, however, should prompt a call to the office or urgent evaluation.
What can be normal
During the first few days, it is common to have soreness, swelling, bruising, jaw stiffness, and small amounts of bleeding. These symptoms should generally improve gradually as recovery progresses.
Follow the instructions provided by your oral surgeon, including rest, soft foods, prescribed or recommended medications, careful oral hygiene, and activity limits.
Call the office if you notice
- Pain that becomes severe, is not controlled with the recommended medication plan, or worsens again after it had started to improve
- Pain that is still getting worse after the first 3 to 4 days instead of gradually improving
- Swelling that keeps increasing after the first few days, becomes firm or tense, or is associated with fever or worsening illness
- Fever or worsening overall illness
- Bad taste, bad odor, drainage, or pus
- Bleeding that does not improve with firm pressure
- Worsening difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing
- Concern about infection or how the area is healing
Seek urgent care for severe symptoms
If you have trouble breathing, significant difficulty swallowing, rapidly worsening swelling, high fever, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe worsening pain, contact your oral surgeon or seek urgent medical attention.
Infection and dry socket are different
Infection and dry socket are not the same thing. Dry socket can cause significant pain several days after removal, especially if pain increases after it had started to improve. Infection may involve worsening swelling, fever, drainage, bad taste, or progressive illness.
If you are unsure, it is safest to contact the office for guidance.
Important note
This information is educational and does not replace a clinical evaluation. If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or concerning, contact your oral surgeon or seek urgent medical attention.