After Wisdom Tooth Removal

The removal of impacted teeth is a 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 to 45 min. After this time, the gauze should be removed and replaced with a fresh gauze pad. Typically, you can discontinue using the gauze after 2 hours if the bleeding has significantly subsided. 
• Vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the wound area following surgery should be avoided. Gently rinse with warm salt water (1/4 t of table salt dissolved in 8 oz. of warm water) after eating. It is okay to brush and floss normally, just be gentle around the surgical sites. 
• Pain medication should be started before the numbness wears off. 
• Restrict your activities the day of surgery and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable. Avoid any strenuous activity for a few days. 
• Place ice packs to the sides of your face where surgery was performed. Refer to the section on swelling for further instruction.

Bleeding

A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or pink in the saliva is not uncommon and is to be expected throughout the day. If heavy bleeding continues for more than 2 hours, bite on a moistened black tea bag for thirty minutes. If you are still having difficulty in slowing the bleeding, please call our office for further instruction. 

Swelling

Some swelling is normal after surgery. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, and sides of the face is not uncommon. The swelling may not become apparent until the day following surgery and should start to subside after about 3 days. Swelling can be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. Ice packs should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. The ice pack should be applied to the face for about 15-20 min, then take it off for 15-20 minutes and repeat. This should be done as much as possible while you are awake. After 24 hours, you may discontinue the ice packs and use moist heat instead. Some jaw stiffness may be present after surgery as well. If the swelling suddenly gets worse after 3-4 days, call our office immediately. 

Pain

Following surgery, it is normal to experience some pain. Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), and Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be taken together to minimize mild to moderate pain. Up to 800 mg of Ibuprofen can be taken every six (6) hours. Do not exceed 3200 mgs in a 24-hour period.  Up to 500 mg of Tylenol can be taken every 6 hours. Do not exceed 4000 mgs in 24 hours.

For severe pain, take the prescribed medication as directed in addition to the ibuprofen and acetaminophen. If pain persists or gets worse, it may require attention, and you should call the office. 

Diet

Adequate food and fluid intake following surgery is most important! A soft diet is advised for the first 24 hours. It is okay to eat immediately after surgery. It is also advised to get something in your stomach before taking your pain medication to minimize stomach upset. Milkshakes or smoothies are an excellent post-surgery snack. Be sure to take out the gauze when eating and replace it with a new piece of gauze when finished. Recommended foods include but aren’t limited to: soups, pastas, eggs, soft breads, milkshakes, smoothies, yogurt and pudding. Avoid anything hard, crunchy or chewy for a few days at least. Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol for 24 hours after surgery.

Sutures

Sutures are often placed in the area of surgery. Dr. Johnson uses dissolvable sutures unless otherwise specified. They usually dissolve within 7-10 days.