Wisdom Teeth Removal

• Keep the gauze pad over the surgical area in place for 30 minutes, then remove and discard it
• Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the wound, as this can dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding
• Take the prescribed pain medications as soon as you begin to feel discomfort, which usually coincides with the local anesthetic wearing off
• Restrict your activities on the day of surgery and resume normal activities when you feel comfortable
• Apply ice packs to the sides of your face where the surgery was performed; refer to the swelling section for more details

A certain amount of bleeding is expected after surgery, including slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva. To control excessive bleeding, first rinse or wipe away any old clots, then place a gauze pad over the area and bite firmly for 30 minutes. Repeat this process if necessary. If bleeding persists, bite on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes; the tannic acid in the tea helps form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels. To minimize further bleeding, stay calm, sit upright, and avoid exercise. If the bleeding does not subside, contact us for further instructions.

Swelling is a normal response to surgery and is usually proportional to the extent of the procedure, affecting the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and sides of the face. This swelling typically becomes noticeable the day after surgery and reaches its peak 2 – 3 days postoperatively. To minimize swelling, apply ice packs or baggies filled with ice to the sides of the face where the surgery was performed, keeping them on continuously while you are awake. After 36 hours, ice is no longer beneficial. If swelling or jaw stiffness continues for several days, it is a normal part of the healing process. Starting 36 hours after surgery, applying moist heat to the sides of the face can help reduce swelling.

For moderate pain, you can take one or two tablets of Tylenol® or Extra Strength Tylenol® every 3 – 4 hours or 2 – 4 200 mg tablets of ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) every 3 – 4 hours.

For severe pain, use the prescribed pain medication as directed. This medication may cause grogginess and slow your reflexes, so avoid driving or operating machinery and refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort should gradually decrease each day; if it persists, please contact the office for further evaluation.

After receiving general anesthesia or IV sedation, start with liquids and avoid using straws as the sucking motion can dislodge blood clots and cause more bleeding; drink directly from a glass. You can eat soft foods, but chew away from the surgical sites. High calorie and high protein intake are crucial; refer to the suggested diet instructions section at the end of the brochure. Maintain regular nourishment to prevent dehydration, and aim for at least 5 – 6 glasses of liquid daily. Ensure you do not skip any meals to support your recovery, boost your strength, reduce discomfort, and accelerate healing. Be cautious when moving from a lying down position to sitting or standing, as you may feel dizzy; take a moment to sit before standing up.

Do not rinse your mouth until the day after surgery. You may brush your teeth the night of the surgery, but do so gently. The following day, start rinsing at least 5 – 6 times daily, especially after eating, using a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt.

In some cases, discoloration of the skin may occur following swelling, resulting in black, blue, green, or yellow hues as blood spreads beneath the tissues. This is a normal post-operative occurrence, typically developing 2 – 3 days after surgery. Applying moist heat to the area can help accelerate the removal of the discoloration.

If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed to help prevent infection. If you develop a rash or other adverse reaction, stop taking the antibiotics and contact the office with any questions.

If you experience nausea or vomiting after surgery, avoid taking anything by mouth, including prescribed medicine, for at least an hour. After this period, sip slowly on Coke, tea, or ginger ale over a fifteen-minute period. Once the nausea subsides, you can begin eating solid foods and taking your prescribed medicine.

• If you experience numbness in the lip, chin, or tongue, don’t be alarmed, as this is typically temporary. Be cautious not to bite these areas as you may not feel it. Contact our office if you have any concerns.
• A slight temperature following surgery is common. Tylenol® or ibuprofen can help reduce the fever. However, if it persists, notify the office.
• When moving from a lying-down position to standing, be careful. Dizziness can occur due to fasting before surgery and the effects of pain medication. Sit for a minute before standing up to prevent light-headedness.
• Occasionally, you might feel hard projections in your mouth with your tongue. These are bony structures, not roots, and usually smooth out over time. If they don’t, we can address them.
• If the corners of your mouth are stretched, keep them moist with ointment like Vaseline to prevent drying and cracking.
• Sore throat and pain when swallowing are normal due to swelling in the muscles, and this should resolve within 2 – 3 days.
• Jaw stiffness (trismus) may make opening your mouth difficult for a few days post-surgery. This is a normal condition that will improve with time.

• Sutures have been placed to minimize post-operative bleeding and aid healing. If a suture becomes dislodged, simply remove and discard it. Sutures will be removed about one week after surgery, which is generally a quick process requiring no anesthesia
• Pain and swelling should gradually decrease each day. If they worsen or if you experience unusual symptoms, contact the office for guidance
• A small hole will remain where the tooth was removed, gradually filling with new tissue over the next month. Keep the area clean, especially after meals, using salt water rinses or a toothbrush
• Remember, each case is unique. Avoid relying on general advice from friends and consult our office or your family dentist for personalized guidance
• You may brush your teeth, but do so gently around the surgical sites
• A dry socket occurs if the blood clot dislodges prematurely, causing pain at the surgical site and possibly in the ear 2 – 3 days post-surgery. Call the office if this happens
• If you engage in regular exercise, be aware that reduced nourishment intake may weaken you. Stop exercising if you feel lightheaded