Following your wisdom teeth removal, post-procedural pain, swelling, and complications can be limited or avoided if you follow the instructions closely.

• Leave the gauze pad over the surgical area for at least a half hour, then you can remove and discard the gauze pad. If bleeding persists, just place another gauze pad. If your bleeding does not stop, contact our office for additional instructions.
• Do your very best to avoid disturbing the surgical area.
• Post-procedural pain will develop once the anesthetic wears off. When you begin to feel discomfort or pain, take over the counter pain medication or prescription medication as directed.
• Place ice packs on the area where the surgery occurred for twenty minutes at a time to control swelling.
• You may experience some tooth sensitivity to cold/hot temperatures, but this will go away as the healing process progresses.
• It is best to follow a soft food diet for approximately 3-5 days, slowly reintroducing harder foods as the healing progresses.
• Avoid any tobacco products and alcohol, as both can slow the healing process.
• Avoid any and all spitting, rinsing, or using a straw for the first 24 hours minimum.
• If possible try to limit any intense physical activity for the first three days, but most importantly for 24 hours following surgery.

Provided you follow these aftercare instructions, you should enjoy a reasonably fast recovery that is free of complications. By neglecting to follow these instructions will increase your risk of developing a dry socket, which is extremely painful. In addition to following these aftercare instructions, we also encourage all patients to follow a six-month ongoing prevention program, which includes regular professional teeth cleaning and allows us to monitor your overall oral health. By closely following aftercare instructions, scheduling regular evaluations, and continuing to follow good daily oral hygiene habits at home, you should continue to enjoy a bright, healthy smile.