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.