Wisdom Teeth Removal Post-Operative Instructions

Immediate Care Following Surgery

Gauze Pressure: Keep the gauze pad placed over the surgical site firm and in place for 1 hour, then discard it.
Protect Blood Clots: Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing, spitting, or probing the wound area with your tongue or fingers. Disturbing the area can dislodge the blood clot and trigger bleeding.
Pain Medication Timing: Take prescribed pain medication as soon as you begin feeling discomfort—typically when the local anesthetic starts to wear off.
Standing Caution: When rising from a lying position, sit upright for 1 minute before standing to prevent dizziness or lightheadedness caused by medication or low blood sugar.

Normal Bleeding: Slight oozing, pink saliva, or mild bleeding is expected during the first 24 hours.
Controlling Excessive Bleeding: Wipe away old blood clots, place a fresh, moist gauze pad directly over the site, and bite down firmly for 30 minutes. Repeat if needed.
Rest & Elevation: Sit upright, stay calm, and avoid physical activity to help slow bleeding. If active bleeding continues despite gauze pressure, contact our office.

Ice Therapy (First 36 Hours): Apply ice packs continuously to the sides of your face while awake for the first 36 hours. Swelling usually peaks 2 to 3 days post-surgery.
Moist Heat (After 36 Hours): Switch to warm, moist heat applied to the cheeks to help resolve persistent swelling or jaw stiffness.
Bruising & Discoloration: Black, blue, green, or yellow skin discoloration may appear 2 to 3 days post-op as blood settles beneath tissues. This is completely normal and gradually fades; moist heat speeds up recovery.

Moderate Pain: Use over-the-counter Tylenol, Extra Strength Tylenol, or Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) as directed.
Severe Pain: Take prescribed medications strictly as directed. Prescribed narcotics cause drowsiness—do not drive, operate machinery, or consume alcohol while taking them.
Antibiotics: If prescribed an antibiotic, complete the entire bottle to prevent infection. Discontinue use and call us immediately if a rash or allergic reaction develops.
Nausea Management: If nausea or vomiting occurs, pause all food and oral medications for 1 hour. Sip Coke, tea, or ginger ale slowly over 15 minutes. Once settled, resume light foods and prescribed medication.

NO Straws: Do not use straws under any circumstances. The suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket. Drink directly from a glass.
Soft Food Diet: Stick to liquids and soft foods (yogurt, pudding, soups, applesauce). Chew away from the extraction sites.
Maintain Hydration: Drink at least 5 to 6 glasses of liquids daily. Do not skip meals; adequate caloric and fluid intake promotes faster healing and restores strength.

First 24 Hours: Do not rinse your mouth on the day of surgery.
Salt Water Rinses (Day 2 Onward): Starting the day after surgery, rinse gently 5 to 6 times daily (especially after eating) using 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water.
Brushing: Brush your remaining teeth gently, taking extreme care near the extraction sockets.

Sutures (Stitches): If sutures were placed, they will dissolve on their own within approximately 1 week. If a stitch unties early, simply remove and discard it.
Dry Socket Prevention: If a blood clot dislodges prematurely, a "dry socket" can cause severe throbbing pain radiating toward the ear 2 to 3 days post-surgery. Call our office promptly if this occurs.
Temporary Numbness: Numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue is typically temporary. Take care not to bite your tongue or lips while numb.
Jaw Stiffness (Trismus) & Sore Throat: Swollen muscles can cause temporary jaw stiffness or swallowing discomfort, which resolves within 2 to 3 days. Keep lips moisturized with Vaseline if stretched during surgery.
Bony Ridges: You may feel hard projections with your tongue near the extraction sites. These are the supporting bone walls, not left-behind roots, and will usually smooth out naturally.

Restrict physical activity on the day of surgery. Avoid strenuous exercise for several days, as throbbing, elevated blood pressure, or renewed bleeding can occur. Stop exercising if you feel lightheaded.