After Wisdom Teeth

Immediately Following Surgery

Your surgeon will place a gauze pad over the surgical sites in your mouth. Please keep this in place for 30 minutes after your procedure or until it becomes soaked.

• Bleeding will slow down and eventually stop within 12 to 24 hours
• You may need to change the gauze and bite down with firm pressure several times before the bleeding stops completely
• Once the bleeding has ceased, you can remove the gauze for good

It is important to avoid disturbing the wound area or rinsing your mouth vigorously right after surgery. This helps protect the blood clot that forms, which is essential for healing. If this clot is dislodged, it can lead to a condition called dry socket, which may cause more discomfort and delay your recovery.

To help you stay comfortable, we recommend taking any prescribed pain medication before your numbing medicine wears off. Try to rest for the remainder of the day. You can return to your normal routine when you feel ready.

Use ice packs on your cheeks for up to 48 hours to help manage swelling. Keeping your head elevated when you rest will also help. After two or three days, you can switch to warm heat with a gentle massage to soothe soreness.

Managing Bleeding

Some slight bleeding or red saliva is normal for the first day. If you notice excessive bleeding, you can try rinsing gently and wiping away any old clots. Then, place a folded gauze pad over the area and bite down firmly for at least 30 minutes. If the bleeding continues, you can try biting on a moist tea bag for half an hour. Resting quietly with your head up is another great way to minimize bleeding.

Swelling

You might see some swelling around your mouth, cheeks, and eyes after your procedure. This is your body’s natural way of healing. Swelling usually peaks on the second or third day. You can control this by using ice packs on the outside of your face while you are awake. After 36 to 48 hours, switching to moist heat will help the swelling go down over the next week.

Your jaw might feel stiff for a few days, which is also normal. Once the swelling improves, you can start gentle mouth-opening exercises to help regain movement.

Comfort and Medication

We suggest starting your pain medication before the local anesthesia wears off entirely. For mild to moderate discomfort, Tylenol® or Extra Strength Tylenol® is often helpful. Ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) is also good for controlling swelling and inflammation.

If your doctor prescribes stronger medication for more severe needs, please be aware that it can make you feel sleepy. We ask that you do not drive or operate machinery while taking these prescriptions. Your comfort should improve each day after the first 72 hours. If you feel worse, please call us.

Diet and Nutrition

After sedation, it is best to start with liquids. Please drink from a glass and avoid using straws, as the suction can disturb the healing site. Once you feel ready, you can move on to soft foods. Try to chew away from the surgical areas when you can.

Staying hydrated is very important. Your appetite might be lower for a few days, so try to drink plenty of fluids and protein shakes to keep your energy up. Aim for five to six glasses of liquid each day.

Returning to Activity

If you feel up to it, you can return to light activity three or four days after surgery. Please keep in mind that your energy might be lower, and you may be eating less. If you feel lightheaded, please stop and rest. We recommend waiting about a week before heavy lifting or contact sports.

Keeping Your Mouth Clean

On the night before your surgery, you can gently brush your teeth. Starting the next day, rinse with warm salt water three or four times a day, especially after meals. Your surgeon might also give you a special mouthwash to use.

Common Questions and Concerns

You may notice some bruising on your face, which is normal and will fade in a week or two. If you feel nauseous, try sipping ginger ale or tea slowly. Having a little food in your stomach before taking medication can also help.

Most stitches we use will dissolve on their own in a week or so. If you notice a stitch come loose early, you can simply remove it. Over the next month, the socket where the tooth was will fill in and heal completely.