What to Do After Your Extraction
Having your wisdom teeth removed is a serious process, as is any treatment that involves surgery. To avoid complications such as pain, swelling, and infection, it’s important to follow our aftercare instructions.
The Day of Your Surgery
- If you’re receiving general anesthesia or undergoing sedation, refrain from eating or drinking any liquids for six hours before your surgery. Also, make sure you have someone to drive you home.
- When your surgery is complete, the surgical site will be covered with a gauze pad. Keep the pad in place and bite down for at least 30 minutes. If you continue to bleed after removing the gauze, repeat the process with a new pad.
- Avoid touching your wound, rinsing your mouth, or anything that involves suction such as drinking through a straw to prevent excessive bleeding.
- To minimize swelling, you can use ice packs on your cheeks for three days following surgery. If swelling continues after this, switch to a warm towel.
- The amount of swelling varies from patient to patient, and some experience none at all.
- Take it easy and avoid physical activity after your surgery. You can resume normal exercise when you feel up to it.
- Take your medication as prescribed to counteract pain from the procedure. Don’t drink alcohol or drive while you’re on medication.
Oral Hygiene
Use warm salt water to rinse your mouth out 5-6 times a day starting the day after your surgery. You can brush your teeth as normal, but be gentle around the surgical area for at least a few days.
Diet and Nausea
Some patients experience nausea and vomiting after their surgery. If this happens to you, avoid eating, drinking, or taking medication for at least an hour. Start by slowly sipping tea or soda and progress to eating solid foods and taking your medicine when nausea subsides.
Whether you experience nausea or not, stick to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Stay away from chewy foods and don’t drink through a straw to prevent disturbing the blood clot that protects the surgical site. Since your body will be low on energy, try to consume meals that are high in calories and proteins. Also, drink at least 5-6 glasses of liquid a day to help you return to full strength.
Any More Questions? Call Right Away
It’s important to us that you’re provided with clear instructions and get all your questions answered. Please give us a call right away if you have any additional questions regarding your aftercare. We’ll make sure your questions get answered.
Still Have Questions About Your Aftercare?