Postoperative Instructions for Wisdom Teeth Surgery

Dear Patient,
Following your wisdom teeth surgery, it’s important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. Below, you’ll find detailed guidelines on what to expect, how to care for the surgical site, and tips for managing your recovery.

What to Expect After Surgery

  • Bleeding: Slight bleeding or oozing from the surgical site is normal for up to 24 hours.

  • Swelling: Swelling around the cheeks, mouth, and eyes is common and may peak 2–3 days after surgery.

  • Pain: Mild to moderate pain is expected. You will receive instructions on managing discomfort with prescribed or over-the-counter medications.

  • Bruising: Some patients may notice mild bruising on the cheeks or jaw.

  • Limited Mouth Opening: You may experience stiffness in the jaw muscles, also called trismus.

Instructions Related to Sedation Methods

I.V. Moderate Sedation

  • Immediate Recovery: You may feel drowsy for several hours following the procedure. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.

  • Diet: Start with clear liquids and soft foods as directed. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages for 24 hours.

  • Activities: Do not operate machinery, drive, or make important decisions for 24 hours. Rest as much as possible.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

  • Immediate Recovery: The effects wear off quickly, and you should feel normal shortly after the procedure.

  • Driving: You may drive yourself home unless instructed otherwise.

  • Diet and Activities: Resume normal activities and diet unless directed otherwise.

Local Anesthesia

  • Numbness: You may experience numbness in the lips, tongue, or cheek for several hours after the procedure. Avoid chewing or biting your lips or tongue until the numbness wears off.

  • Diet: Stick to soft foods and avoid hot foods or beverages until sensation returns.

  • Activities: Normal activities can typically be resumed as tolerated.

Oral Hygiene Instructions

First 24 Hours:

    • Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using mouthwash to prevent disturbing the blood clot.

    • Do not brush your teeth near the surgical site.

Starting the Second Day:

    • Gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater (1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup of warm water) 3–4 times a day, especially after meals.

    • Resume brushing your teeth gently, avoiding the surgical area until healing progresses.

Avoid Smoking or Vaping:

    • Smoking or vaping delays healing and increases the risk of complications like dry socket. Avoid for at least one week post-surgery.

Dietary Guidelines

Day of Surgery:

    • Stick to clear liquids like water, broth, or apple juice. Avoid using straws to prevent dislodging the blood clot.

Next Few Days:

    • Consume soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, applesauce, and smoothies.

    • Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could irritate the surgical site.

Gradual Return to Normal Diet:

    • As healing progresses, slowly reintroduce firmer foods as tolerated.

Pain and Swelling Management

Medications:

    • Take prescribed painkillers and antibiotics as directed. Do not skip doses.

    • Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce discomfort.

Cold Compress:

    • Apply an ice pack to the cheek for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.

Warm Compress:

    • After 48 hours, switch to a warm compress if swelling persists to improve blood flow and promote healing.

Activities and Rest

  • Avoid strenuous physical activities for at least 3–5 days.

  • Keep your head elevated with an extra pillow while resting or sleeping.

  • Resume normal activities gradually, as tolerated.

Preventing Dry Socket

  • Do not smoke, use straws, or vigorously rinse your mouth for the first week.

  • Avoid spitting forcefully.

When to Call for Emergency Assistance

If you experience any of the following, it could indicate a serious medical emergency:

  • Difficulty Breathing: This may signal airway obstruction or swelling. Call 911 immediately.

  • Severe Swelling: Swelling that rapidly progresses, especially if it makes it hard to breathe or swallow.

  • Chest Pain or other concerning symptoms not related to the surgery.

Do not wait to contact our office in these situations—call emergency services immediately. Your safety is our top priority.

When to Call the Office

Contact us immediately if you experience:

  • Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying pressure for 30 minutes.

  • Severe pain that does not improve with medication.

  • Swelling that worsens after the third day or extends to the neck.

  • Fever or chills.

  • Pus or foul-smelling discharge from the surgical site.

By following these instructions, you can promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. Thank you for trusting us with your care!

Sincerely,
Dr. Onur Cavus B.D.S, Ph.D.
Implant Dentistry Toronto