Wisdom Teeth Removal:
Post-Operative Instructions
Follow these detailed post-op instructions to ensure a smooth recovery!
SUPPORT & GUIDANCE FOR A COMFORTABLE RECOVERY
At Preston Dental Centre, we understand that undergoing wisdom teeth removal can be a significant step in ensuring your oral health.
To help you recover as quickly and comfortably as possible, we’ve provided detailed post-operative instructions tailored to your needs. Following these guidelines will promote healing, minimize discomfort, and reduce the risk of complications. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, our friendly team is here to support you every step of the way. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.
Recovering from your wisdom tooth removal surgery
Post Operative Instructions for
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Pain Management
Medications: take pain medications as prescribed by your oral surgeon or dentist. This may include over-the-counter pain relivers or prescribed pain killers
Ice pack: apply an ice pack to your face every hour (on the outside of near the extraction site) for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Do this for the first 48 hours after surgery.
Avoid aspirin: aspirin can increase bleeding and should be avoided
Bleeding Control
Bite on Gauze: for the first 30-45 minutes after surgery, bite gently on the gauze pad placed over the extraction site to help stop bleeding. If bleeding persists, replace with clean gauze and bite down again. If bleeding persists after repeating 3 times call the clinic.
Avoid Spitting and Rinsing: do not spit or rinse mouth vigorously, as this can dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding or dry socket.
Avoid Drinking Through Straws: the suction can disturb the healing site and lead to bleeding or a dry socket.
Diet & Hydration
Soft Foods: stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or smoothies (drink without a straw) for the first few days. Avoid crunchy, hot, spicy, or hard foods that can irritate the wounds.
Stay Hydrated: drink plenty of fluids. Water is ideal. Do not swish around in your mouth.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: these can interfere with healing and increase bleeding
Oral Hygiene
Keep Your Mouth Clean: brush your teeth gently, but avoid brushing directly on the extraction sites for the first few days.
Saltwater Rinse: After 24 hours rinse your mouth gently with a warm saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8oz of water) 2-3 times a day to help keep the area clean an reduce swelling
Avoid Mouthwash with Alcohol: Alcohol-based mouthwashes can irritate the extraction site.
Activity Restrictions
Rest: get plenty of rest during the first few days to allow your body to heal
Limit Physical Activity: Avoid strenuous physical activity (like exercise, bending over, or heavy lifting) for at least 3-5 days post-surgery
Signs of Complications
Call the clinic if you experience:
- Excessive or prolonged bleeding (more than a few hours after surgery)
- Severe pain or swelling that worsens after a few days
- Fever
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Foul-tasting discharge or bad breath
- Numbness or tingling that persists more than a few hours
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Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I rest and avoid exercise after wisdom teeth removal?
You’ll need to rest for the first few days after your procedure, avoiding strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or exercise for at least 3–5 days (and sometimes up to a week) to minimize bleeding and swelling.
When can I start eating solid foods again after the surgery?
Stick to soft or liquid foods (e.g., yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes) for the first few days. Transitioning to a normal diet is usually possible within about a week, based on comfort and healing.
How should I care for the extraction site to avoid complications like dry socket?
To protect the blood clot and prevent dry socket (a painful condition that affects up to 38% of wisdom tooth removals) you should avoid using straws, smoking, spitting, or forceful rinsing, but instead rinse gently with warm saltwater starting 24 hours after surgery.
What signs should prompt me to call my dentist or oral surgeon?
Contact your clinic if you experience any of the following:
Persistent or heavy bleeding beyond a few hours post-surgery
Severe or increasing pain/swelling after day 3, which may signal dry socket or infection
Fever, bad-tasting discharge, or persistent numbness or difficulty moving your mouth
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