Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery & Post-Op Instructions

Removing impacted wisdom teeth is a surgical procedure, making proper care afterward an important part of your recovery. Carefully following these wisdom teeth removal recovery & post-op instructions in Hampton Roads can help minimize unnecessary discomfort, swelling, infection, and other complications while your surgical sites heal.

Immediately Following Surgery:

• Keep the gauze pad positioned over the surgical area for 30-60 minutes. Afterward, remove and discard it, replacing it with fresh gauze as needed.
• Avoid vigorous rinsing or touching the surgical sites after your procedure. Doing so may disturb the blood clots that have formed and cause bleeding.
• Take prescribed pain medication as directed when you begin experiencing discomfort, which commonly occurs as the local anesthetic wears off.
• Limit physical activity on the day of surgery. Gradually return to your normal routine when you feel comfortable, which may take several days.
• Apply ice packs to the sides of your face where surgery was performed. Follow the recommendations below for managing swelling.

Bleeding

Some bleeding after wisdom tooth removal is expected, and slight oozing may continue for up to 24 hours. For persistent bleeding, gently remove old clots from the surgical area and position a thick gauze pad directly over the site. Bite down firmly for 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary.

If bleeding continues, a moistened tea bag wrapped in gauze may be used as a pressure pack in the same manner. The tannic acid in tea can help encourage clotting by contracting small blood vessels.

Remain calm, sit upright, and avoid exercise or strenuous physical activity to reduce further bleeding. Contact our office for additional instructions if bleeding does not subside.

Swelling Is Common After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Swelling is an expected part of recovery and is often related to the complexity of the procedure. Swelling may develop around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and sides of the face. It commonly becomes more noticeable on the second day and may peak around the third day after surgery.

Apply ice packs or bags of ice chips over the surgical areas using a schedule of 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off. Ice can be particularly helpful for managing swelling and discomfort during the first 48-72 hours.

After 72 hours, applying moist heat to the skin over the surgical areas may help reduce remaining swelling.

Discoloration

Bruising or skin discoloration may occur following swelling. Black, blue, green, or yellow discoloration results from blood moving beneath the soft tissues and is a normal part of recovery for some patients. It is commonly noticeable two to four days after surgery. Moist heat applied to the area may help the discoloration resolve.

Pain Management After Wisdom Tooth Removal

For severe discomfort, take your prescribed pain medication exactly as directed by your oral surgeon. Some prescription pain medications may cause drowsiness or slower reflexes. Do not drive, operate machinery, or drink alcohol while taking prescription narcotic pain medication.

Your surgeon may also recommend Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen), either alone or as part of a pain-management schedule. Follow the specific medication and dosage instructions provided by Eastern Virginia OMS. Do not exceed recommended doses or combine medications unless instructed to do so.

Do not smoke for at least one week following surgery. Smoking can interfere with healing and increase the risk of developing dry socket.

Diet Recommendations After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Maintain a liquid, blenderized, or soft-food diet for approximately five to seven days. Avoid using straws because the suction can dislodge blood clots covering the surgical sites and contribute to bleeding or other complications.

Maintaining adequate nutrition is important during recovery. Choose foods that provide sufficient calories and protein, and drink fluids frequently to help prevent dehydration.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene supports proper healing. You may brush your teeth on the evening of surgery, but do not rinse your mouth that day.

Beginning the following day, gently rinse with warm salt water four to five times daily, particularly after meals. Continue keeping your mouth clean throughout the healing period while taking care not to disturb the surgical areas.

Antibiotics

If your oral surgeon prescribed antibiotics, take them according to the provided directions. If you develop a rash or another unfavorable reaction, discontinue the medication and contact the office for guidance. Call Eastern Virginia OMS if you have questions or concerns about an antibiotic you have been prescribed.

Nausea and Vomiting

If nausea or vomiting occurs following surgery, avoid taking anything by mouth for approximately one hour, including prescription medication. Afterward, slowly introduce fluids by taking small sips over a 15-minute period.

Once the nausea improves, gradually resume soft foods and prescribed medications. If nausea or vomiting persists, contact our office. Prescription anti-nausea medication may be available when appropriate.

Other Complications After Wisdom Tooth Removal

• Numbness involving the lip, chin, or tongue may occur following wisdom tooth removal. As discussed during your pre-surgical consultation, this is most often temporary and may improve as swelling and bruising resolve.
• A slight increase in temperature immediately after surgery is not uncommon. If a fever persists, contact the office for guidance.
• Jaw stiffness, or trismus, can make opening your mouth difficult during the first several days. This is a common post-operative occurrence and typically improves as swelling and bruising decrease.
• A sore throat or discomfort when swallowing may occur after surgery and commonly improves within two to three days.
• The corners of your mouth may become dry or cracked from stretching during the procedure. Keep your lips moisturized with an ointment such as Vaseline or A&D ointment.
• Dissolvable sutures may be placed at incision sites to help control bleeding and support healing. These typically dissolve within approximately seven to 10 days.

If you have questions about your recovery or develop concerns after surgery, please contact Eastern Virginia OMS and discuss them with the oral surgeon who performed your procedure.