Post-op instruction for tooth removal

  • Bite on a gauze for 45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing persists, insert another gauze or cold/wet green tea bag and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.

  • If the gauze is not soaked in red, meaning you can see pink or white on the gauze, that means bleeding has stopped.

  • Minor redness in your saliva a few days following the procedure is normal, and no more gauze will be needed.

  • Biting on gauze for excessive amount of time or pressure will cause necrosis to the gums.

  • Do not swish, spit, smoke, suck, use a straw, drink carbonated or alcohol beverages for 24 hours after surgery.

  • We recommend a soft diet for the first 24 hours

  • Do not eat or drink anything hot or spicy for 4-5 days

  • Keep your fingers and tongue away from the socket or surgical area.

  • Use ice packs on the surgical area (side of face) for the first 48 hours; apply ice 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off. 

  • For severe pain, use the medication prescribed to you.

  • Brush gently and avoid surgical area for 2 weeks. Do not spit, and let water out passively

  • Drink plenty of fluids. (Do not use a straw—this creates suction in the mouth that could cause complications.)

  • Do not smoke for at least 5 days after surgery.

  • Avoid strenuous activity and do not exercise for at least one week after surgery. 

  • If the muscles of the jaw become stiff resulting in difficulty opening the jaw, the use of warm moist heat to the outside of your face over the spots that are stiff will relax these muscles.

  • After the first post-operative day, use prescription mouthwash or a warm salt water rinse to soak the surgical area for 1 min twice a day (Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. )

  • If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed UNTIL THEY ARE ALL GONE, even if symptoms dissipate.

  • If pain medication or mouth rinse are prescribed, take as directed

  • If you experience severe pain starting day 3 after the procedure, please let your doctor know. You might be experiencing a condition called dry socket

  • Call our office if needed: 408-826-4676

what to expect after wisdom teeth removal?

The recovery process after wisdom teeth extraction can vary from person to person, but here's a general timeline of what you can expect in terms of healing and post-operative care:

1-2 Days After Wisdom Teeth Extraction:

  • Swelling: Swelling is common during the first couple of days, typically peaking around the second day. Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce swelling.

  • Pain: You may experience discomfort or pain, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications as directed by your oral surgeon or dentist.

  • Bleeding: Some minor bleeding or oozing is normal initially. You can control this by gently biting on gauze pads provided by your dentist.

  • Soft Diet: Stick to a soft or liquid diet to avoid putting pressure on the extraction sites. Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods.

1 Week After Wisdom Teeth Extraction:

  • Improved Comfort: Pain and swelling should start to decrease significantly.

  • Stitches Removal: Most likely you had dissolvable stitches, they may start to dissolve on their own.

  • Gradual Resumption of Regular Diet: You can begin adding more solid foods to your diet as long as you can comfortably chew without causing discomfort.

  • Oral Hygiene: You can start gently rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater after meals to keep the extraction sites clean.

2 Weeks After Wisdom Teeth Extraction:

  • Reduced Swelling: Swelling should continue to decrease, and your face should return to its normal appearance.

  • Healing Progress: The extraction sites should be healing well, with any residual discomfort becoming less pronounced.

  • Resuming Normal Activities: You can typically return to your regular daily activities, including exercise and work or school.

  • Follow-up Visit: You may have a follow-up appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon to assess your healing progress.

1 Month After Wisdom Teeth Extraction:

  • Healing Complete: By this time, the extraction sites should be mostly healed, and any residual pain or discomfort should be minimal or absent.

  • Oral Hygiene: Continue to maintain good oral hygiene practices to prevent infection and promote healing.

3-4 Months After Wisdom Teeth Extraction:

  • Full Recovery: By this point, you should be fully recovered from the extraction procedure.

  • Any lingering issues or complications should have resolved.

  • If you experience ongoing discomfort, infection, or any unusual symptoms beyond this timeframe, contact your dentist or oral surgeon for further evaluation.

It's crucial to follow your dentist's or oral surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully, including any prescribed medications and recommended oral hygiene practices, to ensure a smooth and successful recovery after wisdom teeth extraction. Keep in mind that individual recovery experiences can vary, so don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions during your healing process.