For what reasons might wisdom teeth extraction hurt the most on the third day?

Postop Swelling: Some patients have minimal swelling after surgery while others may have significant swelling. The swelling associated with the removal of wisdom teeth will usually reach its maximum during the third postoperative day and then start to decrease. Most patients relate the increase in pain/discomfort/soreness to the increased swelling.

Dry Socket: is the most common complication following wisdom teeth extractions. Typically, symptoms for a dry socket develop 3-4 days after a wisdom tooth extraction. If concerned, see your surgeon for examination and dry socket treatment.