How to Care for Your Mouth After Wisdom Teeth Surgery

• Keep the gauze pad placed over the surgical area for 30 minutes. After this, carefully remove and discard the gauze.

• Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the wound area, as this can dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding.

• Take prescribed pain medications as soon as you feel discomfort to stay ahead of the pain.

• Restrict activities on the day of surgery, gradually resuming normal activities as you feel comfortable.

• Apply ice packs to the sides of your face to reduce swelling (see detailed instructions below).

What to Do If You Notice Bleeding After Surgery

• It's normal to experience slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in your saliva.

• If excessive bleeding occurs, rinse your mouth gently, place a fresh gauze pad, and bite firmly for 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary.

• Bite on a moistened black tea bag for 30 minutes if bleeding persists; the tannic acid helps form a clot by contracting blood vessels.

• To minimize further bleeding, stay calm, sit upright, and avoid physical activity.

• Contact our office if bleeding continues beyond the initial recommendations.

How to Reduce Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

• Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and sides of the face is normal and may peak 2-3 days after surgery.

• Use ice packs immediately after surgery, applying them continuously while awake for the first 36 hours.

• Switch to moist heat after the first 36 hours to help reduce swelling and jaw stiffness.

• Persistent swelling is a normal reaction; however, contact our office if you have concerns.

Recommended Pain Relief for Wisdom Teeth Removal

• For moderate pain, take Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin). Do not exceed the maximum daily dosage.

• For severe pain, follow the prescribed medication instructions. Avoid these medications if you're allergic or advised against them.

• Do not drive, operate machinery, or consume alcohol while taking pain medication.

• Pain should gradually decrease each day. If it worsens, contact our office for advice.

What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Surgery

• Start with liquids only after general anesthesia or IV sedation. Avoid straws, as suction can dislodge the blood clot.

• Gradually incorporate soft foods, avoiding chewing near surgical sites.

• Ensure a high-calorie, high-protein diet to maintain strength and aid in healing.

• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Aim for 5-6 glasses of liquid daily.

• Avoid sudden movements from a lying position to prevent dizziness.

Keeping Your Mouth Clean After Wisdom Teeth Removal

• Avoid rinsing for the first 24 hours.

• From the second day, rinse gently with warm salt water 5-6 times daily, especially after meals.

• Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the surgical areas.

Discoloration and Bruising

• Bruising may appear as black, blue, green, or yellow discoloration 2-3 days after surgery. This is normal and will fade over time.

• Applying moist heat can help speed up the recovery process.

Nausea and Vomiting

• If you experience nausea, avoid food and drink for at least one hour, then sip on coke, tea, or ginger ale slowly.

• Resume eating and taking medications once nausea subsides.

Dry Socket Warning

• A dry socket occurs when the blood clot is dislodged from the socket, causing pain around the surgical site and possibly near the ear. If this happens, contact our office immediately.

Other Complications

• Numbness, sore throat, or jaw stiffness may occur and should resolve on their own.

• If you notice hard projections in the mouth, these are typically normal bone fragments. Contact us if they persist.

Instructions for Antibiotic Use After Surgery

• Take antibiotics as prescribed to help prevent infection.

• Discontinue use and call our office if you experience any adverse reactions, such as a rash.