Home Instructions after Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Post-operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and complications such as infection and swelling can be minimized if these instructions are followed carefully.

Immediately Following Surgery

• Keep the gauze pad on the surgical site for 30 minutes, then remove and discard it.

• Do not rinse your mouth or touch the surgical area, as this may disrupt the blood clot.

• Take prescribed pain medication as soon as discomfort begins, typically as the anesthesia wears off.

• Limit your activity for the remainder of the day. Resume normal activity as tolerated.

• Apply ice packs to the sides of the face where surgery was performed.

Bleeding

• Mild bleeding, oozing, or pink saliva is normal.

• For excessive bleeding:

• Gently clear old clots from your mouth.

• Place a new gauze pad over the site and bite firmly for 30 minutes.

• Repeat if needed.

• If bleeding persists, bite on a moistened black tea bag for 30 minutes.

• Stay calm, remain upright, and avoid exercise.

• Call the office if bleeding does not subside.

Swelling

• Swelling typically appears the day after surgery and peaks on days 2–3.

• Apply ice continuously while awake for the first 36 hours.

• After 36 hours, switch to moist heat to reduce swelling and stiffness.

• Swelling and jaw tightness for several days are normal.

Pain Control

Moderate pain

• Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol every 3–4 hours, or

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): 400–600 mg every 6 hours (max 3200 mg/day for adults).

Severe pain

• Take the prescribed medication as directed. Avoid alcohol, driving, or operating machinery.

• Pain should improve daily. Contact the office if it does not.

Diet

• After IV sedation or general anesthesia, start with liquids.

• Drink from a cup—do not use straws.

• Eat soft foods, chewing away from surgical sites.

• Maintain adequate calories and protein. Drink 5–6 glasses of fluids daily to prevent dehydration.

• Do not skip meals; nourishment supports healing.

Oral Hygiene

• No rinsing for the first 24 hours.

• Starting the next day, rinse 5–6 times daily with prescribed medicated mouth rinse (Peridex)

• Brush your teeth gently, avoiding surgical areas.

Nausea/Vomiting

• If nausea occurs, avoid food and medication for 1 hour.

• Resume food and medications once nausea improves.

Other Common Findings

• Numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue may occur and is usually temporary. Avoid biting numb areas.

• A slight fever right after surgery is normal. Persistent fever should be reported.

• Lightheadedness can occur—stand up slowly.

• Feeling small hard areas near the site is normal; these are bony contours and typically smooth out.

• Dry/cracked lips may occur—apply Vaseline.

• Sore throat and difficulty swallowing may occur for 2–3 days.

• Jaw stiffness (trismus) is common and will resolve gradually.

Healing

• Pain and swelling should improve each day.

• The extraction site will gradually fill with new tissue over the next month.

• Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and saltwater rinses.

Dry Socket

• A dry socket occurs when the blood clot is lost too early. Symptoms include increased pain 2–3 days after surgery, sometimes radiating toward the ear.

• If this occurs, call the office at 214-888-3234

Call our office at 214-888-3234 for any questions or concerns.