AFTERCARE
WISDOM TOOTH SURGERY
ENGLISH VERSION
SPANISH VERSION
Post-Operative Care Instructions for Oral Surgery
These are general guidelines to help with your recovery. Some of the steps may not apply to your situation. Use common sense when following these instructions, but if you're unsure, please contact our office for further clarification.
The First Hour After Surgery
Firmly but gently bite down on the gauze placed over the surgical area(s). Leave the gauze in place for 30 minutes, then replace it with fresh gauze if needed. A damp tea bag can also be used instead. Do not eat, drink, or sleep with gauze in your mouth.
If heavy bleeding continues, the gauze may not be correctly positioned. Follow these steps:
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Remove the gauze.
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Adjust it or the tea bag so that it presses directly on the bleeding area.
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Bite down on the gauze for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Bleeding and Oozing
It is normal to experience some oozing for up to 24 hours. If you're taking blood thinners, it may last longer. The blood may mix with saliva, so check for active bleeding. Repeat the earlier instructions for gauze placement, and discontinue use when the bleeding stops. Never sleep with gauze in your mouth.
Pain Management
Some discomfort is expected after oral surgery. Take a pain reliever before the numbness fades. Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®), acetaminophen (Tylenol®), or aspirin should be sufficient if you've tolerated them before and have no allergies. For more complex procedures, a prescribed pain reliever may be necessary. These can be alternated with ibuprofen if no allergies exist. Taking medication with food can reduce the chances of nausea. Be aware that prescription pain medications can impair your judgment and reflexes, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat infection. Take the full course as directed. If you experience nausea, rash, or itching, stop the medication and contact our office. A rash or itching may signal an allergic reaction, which can usually be managed with an antihistamine like Benadryl®. However, if you have swelling of the lips or tongue or difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately.
Swelling
Swelling is a common response to surgery and usually peaks around 48 hours after the procedure. To reduce swelling, keep your head elevated on two pillows when lying down. Use a cold compress on your face every hour for the first two days (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off). After 48 hours, switch to a warm compress to help reduce the swelling.
IMPLANT SURGERY
ENGLISH VERSION
SPANISH VERSION
Rinsing
Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours to avoid disturbing the clot. Starting the day after surgery, rinse gently with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) 3-4 times a day for one week.
Spitting
Avoid spitting, as this can disrupt the blood clot and lead to bleeding.
Brushing
Refrain from brushing near the surgery site on the day of the procedure. After that, resume your regular oral hygiene routine, being gentle near the surgical area.
Irrigation Syringe
If an irrigation syringe was provided, begin using it one week after surgery. Fill the syringe with warm water and gently clean the socket. The socket will gradually close over 3-4 weeks as healing occurs.
Diet
Eating a balanced diet is crucial for recovery. For the first 24 hours, stick to soft, cool, or room-temperature foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Gradually reintroduce solid foods over the next few days. Don't skip meals, as proper nutrition helps you heal faster. Diabetic patients should maintain their regular diet and continue their medication as usual.
Nausea
Sipping a carbonated drink like ginger ale or cola every 30 minutes may help reduce nausea. Eating saltine crackers may also alleviate symptoms. If nausea persists, please call our office.
Dry Socket
A dry socket can develop if the blood clot dislodges from the extraction site. This may cause pain radiating to other areas of the jaw or ear and typically appears 3-4 days after surgery. If your discomfort doesn't improve, contact our office for further treatment, such as a medicated dressing.
Bruising
Bruising may appear 1-2 days after surgery. To help with healing, apply warm compresses (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off) to the bruised area.
EXPOSURE AND BOND SURGERY
ENGLISH VERSION
SPANISH VERSION
Smoking and Alcohol
Refrain from smoking or using tobacco for at least one week after surgery. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking pain medication or antibiotics.
Sharp Bony Edges
If you feel a hard area at the surgical site, it may be the bony ridge that supported the tooth. This will heal naturally over time.
Soft Diet Guidelines
For the first 24 hours, eat soft foods and liquids such as:
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Cottage cheese, baby food (without chunks)
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Milkshakes, protein shakes, mashed potatoes, lukewarm soup
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Yogurt (without fruit pieces), Jell-O®, milk
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Ice cream, sherbet, pudding, custard, applesauce, or pureed foods
Avoid foods with seeds, nuts, popcorn, rice, corn, or chips. Eat and drink only cool or room-temperature foods until the numbness subsides. Avoid using a straw for at least one week, as this can disturb the healing process.