Post Op Instructions
Wisdom Tooth Removal Instructions
Post-Operative Guidelines
Follow these instructions carefully for a smooth recovery after wisdom tooth removal. The removal of impacted teeth is a serious surgical procedure. Post-operative care is very important.
Immediately Following Surgery
The gauze pad placed over the surgical area should be kept in place for a half hour. After this time, the gauze pad should be removed and discarded. Vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the wound area following surgery should be avoided. Take the prescribed pain medications as soon as you begin to feel discomfort.
Bleeding
A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. Excessive bleeding may be controlled by first rinsing or wiping any old clots from your mouth, then placing a gauze pad over the area and biting firmly for thirty minutes.
Swelling
The swelling that is normally expected is usually proportional to the surgery involved. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the body's normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair.
What Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
For the first 24 hours, stick to cool, soft foods: yogurt, applesauce, smoothies (no straw), pudding, and lukewarm soup. Over the next several days progress to mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pasta, and soft fish. Avoid straws, hot liquids, alcohol, and anything crunchy, chewy, or spicy for at least a week — small particles like seeds and rice can lodge in the sockets.
Post-Op Care Image 1
Post-Op Care Image 2
When to Use the Irrigating Syringe After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Do NOT use the irrigating syringe during the first several days — early rinsing can dislodge the healing blood clot and cause dry socket. Start gently irrigating the LOWER sockets about 5 to 7 days after surgery (or when instructed at your follow-up). Fill the syringe with warm salt water, place the tip just at the socket opening, and flush gently after every meal and before bed. Continue until the sockets have closed and no longer trap food — usually 2 to 4 weeks. Upper sockets rarely need irrigation; they typically close quickly on their own.
Do You Have to Use the Syringe?
If food is collecting in your lower extraction sites, yes — gentle irrigation is the most effective way to keep the sockets clean and prevent infection and bad breath while they heal. If your sockets are shallow and not trapping food, careful salt-water rinsing may be enough. When in doubt, call our office and we will advise you.
How Long Does Local Anesthesia Take to Wear Off?
Numbness from local anesthesia typically wears off within 2 to 4 hours, though longer-acting anesthetics can last 6 to 8 hours. Be careful not to bite your lip, cheek, or tongue while numb, and avoid hot foods and drinks until full feeling returns.