Instructions Following Wisdom Teeth Removal

At Fine Dental Care, we understand that some patients may require wisdom tooth extraction to address various dental concerns. Rest assured, our focus remains on your comfort and facilitating a smooth recovery following this procedure.

• Immediately after your surgery, manage bleeding by firmly biting down on the gauze pad provided. This pressure helps reduce bleeding, which is a normal response to surgery. Change the gauze as needed until the bleeding diminishes.
• Post-surgery dizziness is common, especially when moving from lying down to a standing position. To prevent accidents, take your time sitting up and allow a moment to stabilize before standing.
• Expect some swelling and stiffness around the face and surgical area, particularly during the first 24 hours. Swelling may increase over the next two days. Use a cold compress for 20-minute intervals to manage swelling. After 36 hours, switch to moist heat to further reduce swelling.
• To protect the surgical site, avoid using straws, spitting, or smoking for the first 48 hours. Stick to a diet of soft foods and liquids like soups, yogurt, and smoothies. Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods and carbonated and alcoholic beverages.
• On the day of your surgery, avoid rinsing, spitting, or brushing your teeth. The next day, resume brushing gently, avoiding the surgical areas. Starting the day after surgery, rinse gently three times a day with a saltwater solution for 7-10 days to help clean the area and dissolve sutures.
• If you experience numbness in your lip or tongue, be aware that it is typically temporary. Exercise caution when eating or chewing to prevent biting yourself.
• Follow the prescription directions precisely for any medications provided, including antibiotics and pain relievers. If prescribed strong pain medication, avoid driving, operating machinery, or any activities that require sharp reflexes and clear judgment.
• Refrain from vigorous physical activities for the first three to four days to allow your body to heal. Gradually resume your usual activities based on how you feel.
• Avoid using an irrigating syringe for the first five days. After this period, use it with warm salt water to gently flush out the surgical site, clearing any debris and food particles.

Be alert for symptoms of a dry socket, such as throbbing pain that doesn’t improve with pain medication and extends to the ear, chin, adjacent teeth, or jaw, typically starting three to four days post-surgery. Contact our office if you encounter severe pain, continuous bleeding, or excessive swelling or if you have any concerns about your recovery. Call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room in case of a severe or life-threatening emergency.