After wisdom tooth removal —
post-operative care instructions
The removal of impacted wisdom teeth is a serious surgical procedure. Post-operative care is critical to minimize pain, swelling, and the risk of complications. Please read all instructions carefully and contact our office in Irving, Mesquite, or Ennis with any questions.
Do not disturb the wound Critical
Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound area immediately after surgery. These actions can dislodge the blood clot and cause excessive bleeding. Keep the gauze pad in place for 30 minutes, then remove and discard it.
Control bleeding Important
Some bleeding and redness in the saliva is expected. To control excessive bleeding: rinse away any old clots, then bite firmly on a gauze pad over the area for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes — tannic acid helps contract blood vessels. Sit upright and rest. If bleeding does not subside, call us immediately.
Manage swelling with ice
Apply ice packs to the sides of the face over the surgical area, continuously while awake for the first 36 hours. After 36 hours, ice has no further benefit — switch to moist heat to reduce remaining swelling. Maximum swelling typically occurs 2–3 days after surgery and is normal.
Pain medication
Begin taking pain medication as soon as the local anesthetic begins to wear off — do not wait until pain is severe. For moderate pain: 1–2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol every 3–4 hours, or Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) 400–600 mg every 3–4 hours. For severe pain, take the prescribed medication as directed. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking prescription pain medication. Avoid alcohol.
Diet and hydration Important
Begin with liquids after anesthesia. Do not use straws — the suction can dislodge the blood clot. Eat soft foods on the side away from the surgical sites. Aim for at least 5–6 glasses of fluids daily. High-calorie, high-protein intake supports healing. Do not skip meals — eating regularly helps you feel stronger and recover faster.
Oral hygiene
No rinsing of any kind on the day of surgery. Starting the day after, rinse gently with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) at least 5–6 times daily, especially after eating. Brushing is fine — be gentle near the surgical sites.
Antibiotics
If antibiotics were prescribed, complete the full course as directed — even if you feel better. Discontinue and call us immediately if you develop a rash or other adverse reaction.
Nausea
If nausea or vomiting occurs, do not take anything by mouth for at least one hour, including medication. Then sip slowly on cola, tea, or ginger ale over 15 minutes. Once nausea passes, resume soft food and prescribed medication.
Discoloration
Bruising may appear 2–3 days after surgery as blood spreads beneath the tissues. This is normal. Applying moist heat to the area can speed resolution.
Dry socket warning Critical
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot is prematurely dislodged from the extraction socket. Symptoms include pain at the surgical site and pain radiating to the ear, typically appearing 2–3 days after surgery. Call our office immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Other expected occurrences
The following are normal and require no alarm unless they worsen: jaw stiffness (trismus) for a few days; sore throat from swollen throat muscles (resolves in 2–3 days); dry or cracked lip corners (apply Vaseline); slight fever for 24–48 hours (treat with Tylenol or Ibuprofen and notify us if it persists); light-headedness when standing (sit for one minute before rising); bony ridges felt with the tongue (these typically smooth out on their own).
Sutures Info
Sutures placed in the surgical area will be removed approximately one week after surgery. The procedure takes only a minute and requires no anesthesia. If a suture becomes dislodged before your appointment, simply remove it from your mouth and discard it.
Your care team is
ready to help.
Our oral surgeons and staff in Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis are available to answer any questions about your dental implant recovery.
972.594.7414