After Wisdom Tooth Removal

After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Having wisdom teeth removed is a surgical procedure, so looking after the area properly makes a big difference to your comfort and healing. Please follow these instructions closely.

Immediately after surgery

• Keep the gauze pad in place for 20 minutes, then remove and discard it.

• Do not rinse, spit, or touch the surgical area on the day of surgery — this can dislodge the blood clot and restart bleeding.

• Take your prescribed pain relief as directed (often best taken before discomfort starts).

• Rest on the day of surgery. Return to normal activity when you feel ready.

• Use ice packs on the outside of your face (see “Swelling” below).

Bleeding

• Light bleeding, oozing, or pink saliva is normal for the first 24 hours.

• If bleeding is heavy: wipe/rinse away old clots, then bite firmly on gauze over the area for 20 minutes. Repeat if needed.

• If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes (this can help clotting).

• Stay calm, sit upright, and avoid exercise.

• If bleeding doesn’t settle, call us.

Swelling and jaw stiffness

• Swelling is normal and usually shows up the next day, peaking around days 3–4.

• Use the compression face wrap and gel packs we provide. Keep them on while awake — even when not cold, the compression still helps.

• From day 4, swelling should begin to reduce. At this stage warmth can help. You can gently warm the gel packs (test carefully so they aren’t too hot).

Pain relief

• Paracetamol: 2 tablets every 6 hours (for moderate pain).

• Anti-inflammatory (usually Celecoxib): 1 tablet morning and night. Regular use for the first 3–4 days is recommended, even if you feel okay.

• For breakthrough/severe pain: take the stronger medication prescribed (often Codeine or Tramadol) as directed.

  • These can cause drowsiness: do not drive, operate machinery, or drink alcohol.

  • Nausea and constipation can occur — you may need extra medication for side effects.

• Pain should steadily improve after day 4. If it doesn’t, or gets worse, contact the practice.

Eating and drinking

• Start with fluids, especially after IV sedation or general anaesthetic.

• No straws — suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding.

• Eat soft foods, chewing away from the surgical sites.

• Aim for high-protein, high-calorie foods and small meals often (about 6/day).

• Drink regularly — at least 5–6 glasses of fluid daily. Healing is easier when you keep eating and drinking.

Keeping your mouth clean

• No rinsing until the day after surgery.

• You can brush your teeth the night of surgery — be gentle and rinse carefully.

• From the next day:

  • Do warm salt-water soaks 5–6 times daily (especially after meals): 1 teaspoon of salt in warm “tea temperature” water. Hold over the area for 30 seconds at each site.

  • Use Chlorhexidine mouth rinse (e.g., Savacol/Curasept) morning and night. Use undiluted and rinse gently for 1 full minute.

Bruising

Bruising (blue/green/yellow skin changes) can appear 2–3 days after surgery. This is normal. Warmth may help it resolve faster.

Antibiotics

If prescribed, take antibiotics exactly as directed. Stop and contact us if you develop a rash or any concerning reaction.

Nausea and vomiting

If you feel sick or vomit:

• Don’t take anything (including medication) for 1 hour.

• Then sip flat Coke (not diet), tea, or ginger ale slowly.

• Once settled, restart food and medication.

• If nausea continues, contact the practice.

Other common issues

• Temporary numbness of lip/chin/tongue can occur. Be careful not to bite the numb area.

• A mild temperature is not uncommon. If it persists, contact the office. Paracetamol/Celecoxib can help.

• Stand up slowly — fasting + pain relief can make you dizzy. Sit for a minute before getting up.

• Sharp “bits” you can feel with your tongue are often bone edges, not roots. They usually smooth out naturally.

• Keep lips moisturised (e.g., Vaseline) if corners feel cracked.

• Sore throat, swallowing discomfort, and jaw stiffness can occur and usually improve over a few days (jaw stiffness can take longer).

Stitches, healing, and the socket

• Stitches usually dissolve in 2–5 days and don’t need removing. If a loose strand annoys you, it’s okay to gently remove it with tweezers.

• The hole (socket) will gradually fill in over the next month.

• Keep it clean after meals with gentle rinses or a soft toothbrush. At your follow-up, we will give you a curved syringe to flush the area if needed.

• Food caught in the socket doesn’t usually cause infection, but it can taste/feel unpleasant.

Dry socket

Dry socket happens when the blood clot dissolves too early. It typically causes increasing constant pain in one socket (often with ear pain), usually 2–3 days after surgery, and can become intense. If this happens, call the office in the morning — it can be treated quickly.

A final note

Healing should improve day by day. If swelling or pain worsens, or anything feels unusual, please contact us.

Everyone’s case is different — avoid well-meaning advice from others and check in with us or your dentist instead.