After Wisdom Tooth Removal

  • Rest is the order of the day. Keep your head elevated.
  • Apply ice to the area of surgery from the outside-fifteen minutes on and fifteen minutes off. Continue this practice for 24 hours.
  • Bleeding is controlled be applying pressure to the surgical site. Place a moist gauze directly over the site and bite firmly. Change the gauze every twenty minutes. Bleeding may require several hours to stop. Often, soaking the gauze in a strong tea solution before use will aid in clotting.
  • Swelling is normal following any surgery, and usually takes 2-3 days to fully develop. Using ice packs the first 24 hours will minimize the swelling.
  • Do not rinse your mouth on the day of surgery, as this may prolong the bleeding. The day following surgery, warm salt water (1/2 tsp. per cup) rinses should be used 5-6 times per day. Hold the solution over the surgical site and gently swish. Do not rinse vigorously, as this may cause bleeding.
  • Cold, soft foods, such as yogurt, ice cream, Jell-O or pudding. Drink plenty of fluids over the next several days. Do not use a straw or drink carbonated beverages for three days. Starting tomorrow, diet may be advanced as tolerated.
  • Some bruising or discoloration of your face and neck is normal. It will resolve over the next 7-10 days and, while may be alarming, is no cause for concern.
  • Most nausea is caused by swallowing blood, however, in certain cases drugs or nervousness are to blame. Room temperature 7-UP taken one or two sips at a time every ten minutes will usually help. Over the counter medications such as Tagamet-HB, Pepcid AC, Maalox or Mylanta will also provide relief. Nausea usually lasts only the day of surgery.
  • If you have been given prescriptions, please follow them as directed. Please note that most antibiotics decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills, and extra precautions should be taken.
  • If general anesthesia was utilized for your surgery, you will be drowsy today and should not drive or operate machinery until you have stopped taking the pain medicine.

If you have any further questions or are unsure about something, do not hesitate to call the office or the emergency number 314-822-3328. Thank you, again, for choosing our practice.