The proper post-operative care after removal of wisdom teeth is important to ensure a successful and comfortable healing process. Through proper recovery care, you can lessen any unnecessary pain and complications.
Please follow all instructions provided by your doctor after surgery. The following are general guidelines and your specific care procedures may vary.
Immediately after your wisdom tooth extraction
- The doctor will place a gauze pad over the wound and this should be kept in place for a half hour to help the clotting process begin. The gauze pad can be discarded.
- You should avoid touching the wound or wounds which can cause the clot to become dislodged.
- Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing
- Take any prescribed pain medications as soon as there is any pain or discomfort. Follow the doctor’s direction on the use of prescriptions.
- In the first couple of days, you should restrict physical activity, and resume working out or strenuous activity when you feel comfortable again.
- Reduce swelling and pain by placing an ice pack on your cheek on the side of the surgery.
What can you eat after wisdom tooth extraction?
After your wisdom tooth extraction, you should be drinking a lot of fluids to stay properly hydrated. You can resume eating regular meals within a couple of days, but you should start out with soft foods such as puddings, Jell-O, eggs, mashed potatoes, and cooked soft vegetables. Once the healing process is a few days in, you can resume eating more solid, normal meals.
You should also avoid drinking through a straw for the first week of healing so you don’t cause unnecessary pressure on your wounds. This can dislodge the clot and cause complications like dry sockets. Carbonated and sugary beverages should also be avoided during the healing process.
Here’s a larger list of foods you can eat after wisdom tooth removal.
Resuming normal oral hygiene
After the first 12 hours, you can begin to rinse your mouth with a diluted mouthwash, rinse provided by your oral surgeon, or a mild salt water rinse. You can also carefully brush your teeth the night after your surgery, doing your best to avoid the surgery area.
When to call your doctor
Any swelling or discomfort you may experience should begin to improve each day, but you should contact our office if you begin to experience any of the following:
- Swelling that continues or increases after the first two days
- Excessive bleeding from the surgical wound
- Severe pain three or four days after your procedure
- A fever that persists after your surgery
Each patient experience is different, and you may have only had one or all four wisdom teeth removed. That’s why it’s important to follow any specific instructions your doctor provides you.