Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that requires some post-operative care to reduce the chance of infection or other complications. Immediately after surgery, a gauze pad will be placed over the extraction site, which should not be removed for at least 60 minutes, and then discarded after that. Refrain from drinking from a straw or rinsing the mouth to ensure that you do not dislodge the blood clot that has formed. Limit your activities that day. You can resume your regular activities the following day.  Take the pain medication as prescribed to reduce the amount of discomfort you feel after the local anesthetic wears off. As with any oral surgery, refrain from drinking through a straw as doing so creates suction and may disrupt the sutures and a blood clot.

Post Operative Instructions

Immediately after surgery bite on gauze pad for 1 hour. Keep swallowing. Do not spit out.

Bleeding. Some oozing or bleeding is to be expected, especially for the first 24-48 hours following surgery. It may be controlled by placing a clean gauze pad over the area and biting firmly for one-half hour. Repeat if necessary.

Rinsing. Do not rinse for 24 hours after surgery. Then rinse your mouth with 1 teaspoon of salt to a full glass of warm water after each meal. Do not rinse if bleeding occurs from surgical area.

Swelling normally occurs after surgery. To reduce the degree of swelling apply an ice bag to the face 5 minutes on and 5minutes off for one day. Do not use ice after 24 hours.

Pain. For mild discomfort after surgery take usual dosage of Tylenol. For severe pain take prescribed medication.

Food. Soft diet is advisable for the first 24 hours.

Nausea may occur following surgery. Relief may be found by drinking a glass of 7-up or Gingerale. To help prevent nausea and vomiting, do not take medication on an empty stomach.

Bony edges. After extraction, you may feel hard projections in the area of surgery. This usually is the hard bony partition surrounding the roots of the teeth.

Discoloration of the skin may appear following surgery. This is a normal occurrence and will resolve within several days.