After Extraction of Wisdom Teeth
Oral surgeon Johns Creek, GA. The removal of impacted teeth is a serious surgical procedure. Unnecessary pain, swelling, and complications can be minimized if these instructions are followed carefully.
Immediately Following Surgery
- • Keep gauze pads over surgical areas under firm pressure for 30–60 minutes.
- • Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the wound area.
- • Take prescribed pain medications preemptively within 1 hr with a light snack.
- • Restrict your activities the day of and 24 hours following surgery.
- • Place ice packs continuously to the sides of your face while awake.
Bleeding
A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected and anticipated following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. Excessive bleeding may be controlled by first gently wiping any old clots from your mouth, then placing a moistened gauze pad over the area and biting firmly for 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding persists, bite on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes. The tannic acid in the tea bag helps to form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels.
To minimize further bleeding, do not become excited, sit upright, and avoid exercise. Avoid the use of straws for 2–3 days after surgery. If bleeding does not subside, call our office immediately at (770) 764-0840.
Swelling
Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is normal and proportional to the surgery. Swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and reaches its maximum 2–3 days post-operatively. Ice packs applied to the sides of the face for the first 24 hours minimize swelling. After 24 hours, switch to warm compresses or a warm wet rag to further relieve stiffness and swelling.
Pain Management
Take pain medications as directed. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking narcotic prescription medicines, and avoid alcohol. Tylenol or up to four 200mg tablets of ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) can be taken as needed (taken 6 hours apart). Pain normally peaks at 48–72 hours after surgery and subsides gradually. If severe pain persists beyond 72 hours, notify our office immediately.
Diet & Nutrition
Soft non-chew foods and liquids are recommended. Do not use straws for 3 days— the suction forces can dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket. Maintain high calorie and protein intake. Drink at least 5 to 6 glasses of liquid daily to prevent dehydration.
Keep the Mouth Clean
No rinsing or brushing the day of surgery. Beginning the day after surgery, rinse gently at least 3 times a day with a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt, especially after eating. Brush gently with a soft bristle brush avoiding the surgical sites.
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot is dislodged prematurely from the extraction socket, causing severe pain radiating to the ear, typically starting 3 days after surgery. Smoking, using straws, or aggressive spitting increase this risk significantly. If this occurs, call our office at (770) 764-0840.
Questions About Your Recovery?
If you have concerns during your healing process, our team is here to help. Call our office or request a follow-up appointment online.