Post-Op Instructions for Wisdom Teeth in Cincinnati, OH

Recovery after wisdom teeth removal is an important part of getting back to your routine. At Queen City Oral Surgery, our oral surgeon and team want you to know that some bleeding, swelling and soreness are normal after surgery. Careful home care can help protect the extraction sites, reduce discomfort and support a smoother recovery.

Bleeding and Gauze Care

A small amount of bleeding or pink saliva may continue for the first 24 to 48 hours. Once you are home, remove the gauze unless you were told otherwise. If bleeding continues, place a clean piece of gauze directly over the surgical site and bite down with firm, steady pressure for about 20 minutes. The gauze should be thick enough to keep your upper and lower teeth slightly apart while you bite.

If bleeding does not improve, gently check the area. If a dark clot has shifted out of place, carefully wipe it away with dry gauze and place fresh gauze over the site. Do not rinse your mouth during the first 24 hours because rinsing can disturb the clot and restart bleeding.

Swelling, Bruising and Ice

Swelling is normal after wisdom teeth removal and often becomes more noticeable during the first 48 to 72 hours before it gradually improves. Some patients also experience bruising on the face, jaw or neck during the days that follow. Please follow these guidelines:

• Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first 36 hours.
• After 36 hours, warm moist compresses may help improve comfort and reduce stiffness.
• Keep your head elevated with extra pillows or rest in a reclined position, especially during the first night.

Oral Hygiene and Daily Care

• Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, rinse gently after meals with warm salt water or diluted mouthwash for up to two weeks.
• Continue brushing and flossing your other teeth, but avoid the surgical areas for about one week.
• Do not spit forcefully because this can dislodge blood clots.

Food, Drink and Activity

Eat soft, bland foods that are cool or room temperature during the first day. Good choices include yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and smoothies. Avoid hot, spicy, hard or crunchy foods until comfort improves. Do not drink through a straw for at least 48 hours because the suction can dislodge blood clots and lead to dry socket.

Rest on the day of surgery and avoid strenuous activity for at least three to four days. Do not bend over or lift anything heavy during the first few days. Most patients can return to light daily activities within one to two days and resume normal routines within about a week.

Medications and Smoking

Take all medications as directed by your surgeon. If an antibiotic was prescribed, finish the entire course even if you feel better. Pain medicine may affect alertness, so do not drive, operate machinery or make important decisions while taking it. Avoid alcohol during recovery.

Do not smoke or use tobacco products for at least four days after surgery. Smoking can delay healing, increase the risk of dry socket and raise the chance of infection.

Dry Socket

Dry socket happens when the blood clot is lost from the extraction site, leaving bone and tissue exposed. It usually causes increasing pain two to four days after surgery and may include a bad taste or odor. To reduce the risk, avoid smoking, straws, forceful rinsing and spitting. If you suspect dry socket, contact our office promptly so we can provide relief.

When to Call the Office

Please contact Dr. V. Russell Boudreau Jr., Dr. Scott L. Thatcher, or Dr. Jaspreet Singh if you experience heavy bleeding that does not slow with firm gauze pressure, unusual or worsening pain after the third day, fever, swelling that gets worse after 72 hours, difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth, or numbness that does not improve as discussed. Contact us with any questions or concerns about your recovery.