By Westpoint Dental Clinic

05/28/2025 Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure, often necessary when the third molars cause pain, infection, or alignment issues. But many people—especially students and working professionals—worry about how long they’ll need to take off after the procedure. So, when can you return to work or school after wisdom tooth extraction? Let’s break it down.

The First 24 to 48 Hours: Prioritise Rest
After wisdom tooth extraction, your body needs time to heal, and rest is essential—especially in the first 24 to 48 hours. During this period, most people experience swelling, mild pain, and some bleeding. Your dentist will likely advise you to stay home, avoid strenuous activity, and follow aftercare instructions carefully.
Trying to jump back into your normal routine too soon may increase discomfort and delay healing. It can also lead to complications like dry socket, a painful condition where the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged.

2 to 3 Days Post-Extraction: Light Activity PossibleBy the third day, swelling and discomfort usually begin to subside. Many people can resume light tasks, including working from home or attending short, non-physical classes. However, you’ll still want to avoid anything that involves:

• Heavy lifting
• Talking for extended periods
• Eating hard or crunchy foods
• Long commutes or high stress

If your job or school demands intense focus, speaking, or physical effort, you might want to give it another day or two.
3 to 5 Days: Returning to Normal RoutineMost people return to work or school within 3 to 5 days after wisdom teeth removal, depending on the complexity of the surgery and how well they follow post-operative care. If only one or two teeth were removed and there were no complications, you may recover faster.
If you’ve had impacted teeth surgically removed, your healing may take longer. Fortunately, the team handling wisdom teeth removal Blacktown cases typically offers tailored recovery timelines to help you plan ahead with confidence.
Tips for a Comfortable ReturnHere are some tips to ease your return to work or school after extraction:

• Bring prescribed pain relief or over-the-counter medication if needed.
• Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soup.
• Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated (but avoid using straws).
• Inform teachers or managers in advance in case you need a lighter schedule.

Don’t Forget the Follow-UpYour dentist will usually schedule a follow-up appointment within a week to check your healing progress. Make sure not to skip this—it’s a good opportunity to address any lingering discomfort or questions.
Before your procedure, you can also discuss wisdom teeth removal cost Blacktown dentists offer, so you’re financially prepared. Most clinics are happy to provide quotes and help you with insurance queries or payment plans.
Final ThoughtsGoing back to work or school after wisdom tooth extraction depends on your body’s healing pace, the complexity of the procedure, and how well you follow post-op care. For most people, 2 to 5 days is enough to resume daily responsibilities.
If you’re looking for a trusted place for the procedure, choose a dental clinic Blacktown locals recommend—where you’ll get expert care, personalised advice, and support throughout the healing process.
The author is a qualified professional offering a range of dental treatments including wisdom teeth removal, cheap dental implants and more. He often writes articles pertaining to dental health for his readers online. Visit https://www.westpointdental.com.au/treatments/oral-surgery/wisdom-teeth-removal/