Post-Op Instructions for Exposed Impacted Teeth in Cincinnati, OH

Recovery after wisdom tooth removal is an important part of healing. At Queen City Oral Surgery, our oral surgeon and team want you to know that some bleeding, swelling and soreness are expected after surgery. Following your home care instructions closely can help reduce discomfort, protect the surgical sites and support a smoother recovery.

Right After Surgery

Keep the gauze in place for about 30 minutes unless you were given different instructions. After that time, remove and discard it. Avoid touching the surgical areas with your fingers or tongue. Do not rinse vigorously because this can disturb the blood clot and cause more bleeding. Take your pain medication as directed before the numbness fully wears off. Rest for the remainder of the day and return to normal activity only as you begin to feel comfortable.

Bleeding, Swelling and Pain

A small amount of bleeding or pink saliva is normal after surgery. If bleeding continues, place clean gauze over the area and bite down firmly for 30 minutes. Repeat if needed. Sit upright and remain calm, since activity and excitement can make bleeding worse.

Swelling often begins the day after surgery and may become most noticeable two to three days later. Apply ice packs to the outside of your face for 20 minutes each hour while awake during the first 36 hours. After that, warm moist heat may help reduce swelling and improve comfort. Some bruising or jaw stiffness can also happen and usually improves with time.

For mild to moderate discomfort, use medications as directed by our office. If stronger pain medicine was prescribed, do not drive, operate machinery or make important decisions while taking it. Avoid alcohol. If pain gets worse instead of better after several days, please contact our office.

Food, Cleaning and Healing Tips

Liquids should come first after surgery. Drink from a glass and do not use a straw for the first 48 hours. Choose soft foods and chew away from the surgical sites. Try to stay hydrated and do not skip meals, even if your appetite is low.

Please also follow these care tips:

• Do not rinse your mouth until the day after surgery.
• Brush your teeth the night of surgery, but be very gentle near the treated areas.
• Starting the next day, rinse gently several times a day with warm salt water, especially after meals.
• Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and finish the full course unless told otherwise.
• If nausea occurs, stop eating and drinking for one hour, then slowly sip a clear beverage.
• Keep your lips moist if they become dry or cracked.

Other Symptoms and When to Call

Temporary numbness, a mild fever, sore throat, trouble opening wide or small hard areas in the mouth can happen during healing. Sutures may loosen and usually dissolve on their own. The empty areas where the teeth were removed will gradually fill in as the tissue heals.