Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Aside from filling prescriptions, go directly home following procedure. Attempt to eat COLD and SOFT foods (milkshake/ frosty (eat w/ spoon), ice cream, etc.) and take your antibiotic and pain medications as soon as possible (*note: taking pain-meds on an empty stomach may cause an upset stomach or nausea).

Icing is very important during the first 48 hours to reduce the amount of swelling, use ice packs on the side of the face (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, repeat continuously for the first 48 hours).

Bite on gauze packing over the extraction site(s), applying constant firm pressure, do not chew. Change gauze every 30-45 minutes for the next 4-6 hours only. It is better to continually bite on the gauze than to keep changing it every few minutes. Once the bleeding has significantly slowed (usually within 4 to 6 hours), you can stop using gauze entirely.

*Note that If gauze is left in place for too long or changed too frequently, it can disrupt the healing process in a few key ways:

• Sticking to the Clot: As the gauze dries out, it adheres to the delicate blood clot forming in the extraction site.

• Dislodging the Clot: When you remove the dried gauze, it can pull the protective blood clot out with it.

• Exposing the Nerves: Removing the clot exposes the underlying bone and nerves in the socket, which is the definition of a dry socket.

Minor oozing or blood-tinged saliva is normal for up to 24 to 48 hours. If excessive bleeding occurs, contact our office as we may want to evaluate the site in person.

Use an extra pillow under your head while resting to remain in a propped-up position, refrain from lying flat while awake or sleeping for the first 48 hours following surgery. A neck pillow is a good way to keep head propped up and elevated. You may want to cover your pillows with a towel.

Consuming plenty of water and healthy food is important.

Avoid consuming alcohol, vaping, smoking or the use of tobacco products for at 7-10 days. . Alcohol acts as a blood thinner and can prevent the crucial protective blood clot from forming or cause an existing clot to dissolve prematurely, leaving the bone and nerves exposed. Moreover, the act of smoking can dislodge the blood clot which may cause dry-socket.

Staying on top of your pain medication is crucial for proper pain management. Some discomfort or pain is normal and should be relieved by the prescription medication.

Take the ibuprofen (Motrin 800mg) within an hour of getting home from surgery.

Take all medications with food to avoid stomach upset or nausea.

If prescribed, only use the narcotic (Tylenol 3 w/ Codeine) on an as-needed basis for pain. *No driving of lifting heavy machinery as this medication may cause drowsiness.

For maximum pain control, you can alternate the 800 mg of Ibuprofen (Motrin) with Acetaminophen (Tylenol 3 w/ Codeine) as prescribed.  Keep track to make sure you are taking medications on time, not over-lapping and not exceeding the daily dose

*Complete the full course of antibiotics (Amoxicillin 500mg) 1 tablet every 8 hours for 7 days, or as prescribed.

Contact our office with any medication questions before taking additional medications.

Use a liquid diet the day of surgery and move towards a soft food diet the second day or as soon as can be tolerated. Whether liquid or soft food, it is highly suggested to stick with colder liquids and foods the first two days. Good options are: Ice Cream (no nuts or toppings), milkshakes/ frosty (eat w/ spoon), popsicles, applesauce, yogurt, Jell-O, pudding, or smoothies (with no fruit seeds).

Drink plenty of liquids from the start, but avoid the use of straws for two weeks as the suction can dislodge the clots at the surgical site, pull bacteria into the surgical sites or cause infections or dry sockets.

No carbonated beverages or alcohol for five days.

On the third and fourth day all food should be served at no warmer than room temperature. Hot foods, soups, or drinks can dissolve the blood clot. Good options are: scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, soup broth, pastas (no tomato).

Stay away from small foods such as rice, small beans, or foods with seeds. These foods can easily become stuck in sockets. Avoid acidic foods, soups, or drinks (e.g., citrus fruits, ketchup).

At the five day mark you may advance your diet to a normal diet as tolerated. You may want to start out by cutting all solid food into small pieces.

For the first 24 hours, do not rinse your mouth. Resume brushing your teeth thoroughly but gently starting the night of the surgery. Use minimal toothpaste and refrain from using of commercial mouthwashes, as they may contain alcohol, which can delay initial healing.

After 24 hours, it is generally a good idea to gently swish with a warm diluted salt solution (1/4 teaspoon in 8 oz water). Rinsing vigorously may dislodge blood clots and interrupt the normal healing process.

3-4 days following surgery (usually when you start eating solid foods again), begin using supplied syringe to rinse out sockets following each meal and before bed. Syringe may be filled w/ Peridex mouth rinse, lukewarm water, or a half and half solution of the two.

Reduce your physical activities to avoid exertion that could reinitiate the bleeding or induce swelling. You should avoid exercise for 5 days post-surgery; no sports or going to the gym. Cardiovascular activity within the first 5 days can cause rebound swelling and bleeding, doubling your recovery time.

is advisable for the first 24–48 hours following surgery to have someone assist you when going from a lying to standing position. To help avoid becoming lightheaded or dizzy, rise slowly to a sitting position and sit for 30 seconds before standing.

Do not play musical instruments (e.g., trumpet, saxophone, horn instruments) for 10 days after surgery.

To minimize swelling, apply ice packs over the affected areas as soon as possible for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off the day of the surgery until you go to bed that night. This is usually a 24-48 hour cycle. The swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until 2–3 days postoperatively.

Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, as well as elevation of the head while you sleep for the first 2–3 nights after surgery, will help minimize swelling.

If a dry socket occurs (loss of blood clot from socket) there is constant paint that may radiate to other areas including ears, jaw and teeth.  Symptoms of a dry socket do not occur until the 3rd r 4th day post-surgery.  If you do not have improvements during the first few days following the procedure, call the office.  A medicated dressing may be placed if pain medications do not resolve the discomfort.

To help prevent dry socket, avoid spitting, sucking from a straw, vigorous rinsing, sucking on the wound, drinking alcohol, vaping, smoking and exercising for 7 days after surgery.

• A temperature greater than 101.5°F

• Increasing pain or pain that does not improve with prescribed medication
  (Please note: swelling and discomfort commonly peak on the third, fourth, and fifth days after surgery.)

• Persistent or recurrent nausea and vomiting after the day of surgery

• Bleeding that is heavier than what was experienced on the day of surgery or bleeding that does not gradually decrease over time

If you experience any of the above symptoms, please contact our office promptly so we may provide appropriate guidance and ensure proper care.