My daughter got all 4 of hers out in June of 2013.
I think healing has a lot to do with how the procedure is done, attitude of the patient and most importantly, following Dr order
She had a hard time swallowing anything, especially the pain meds right after surgery but that got better within a day. She slept a LOT, I pushed water, Gatorade, jello, and anything she did not have to chew. She is not big on ice cream and things like that so we stuck to healthier options. The jello was a hit because she could also "drink" it.
Of course no straws. The Dr. sent her home with an ice pack that wrapped and attached to her head with extra ice packets to keep it ready for her. She used the ice a lot and it seemed to keep swelling and bruising at bay. Her fear was dry sockets which can be very painful... I had them when I got my wisdom teeth out and it was hell. We wanted to avoid those at all costs if possible and we did.
Her procedure was on a Monday and she was out with friends, very casually.... just a movie on Friday night. She was off pain meds within 48 hrs
She stayed on soft foods a few days just because she didn't want to mess anything up in her mouth.
Keep a towel handy for and I had a "vomit bowl" close by just in case she got sick from any meds.
Good luck!