After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Your Guide to a Safe and Comfortable Recovery

The removal of wisdom teeth is a significant surgical procedure. Post-operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and the complications of infection and swelling can be minimized if the instructions are followed carefully.

🩸 Bleeding

A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon.

• Control: Place a fresh gauze pad over the area and bite firmly for 30 minutes.

• The Tea Bag Trick: If bleeding persists, bite on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes. The tannic acid helps form a clot.

• Important: Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the wound area, as this may dislodge the blood clot and lead to "Dry Socket."

🎈 Swelling

The swelling that is normally expected is usually proportional to the surgery involved. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and sides of the face is not uncommon.

• Peak Swelling: It typically peaks 2-3 days (48–72 hours) after surgery.

• Management: Apply ice packs to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. Use them continuously while awake for the first 36 hours.

💊 Pain & Medications

• First Dose: Take your first dose of pain medication before the local anesthesia wears off.

• Prescriptions: For moderate pain, use the tablets prescribed by Dr. Pujara. For severe pain, follow the specific narcotic or anti-inflammatory schedule provided.

• Caution: Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

🤢 Nausea and Vomiting

In the event of nausea and/or vomiting following surgery, do not take anything by mouth for at least an hour, including the prescribed medicine.

• Solution: Sip slowly on tea, ginger ale, or 7-Up over a 15-minute period. When the nausea subsides, you can begin taking solid foods and the prescribed medicine again.

🌈 Discoloration

In some cases, discoloration of the skin follows swelling. The development of black, blue, green, or yellow discoloration is due to blood spreading beneath the tissues.

• Timeline: This is a normal post-operative occurrence, which may occur 2–3 days after the procedure.

• Heat Therapy: 36 hours after surgery, the application of moist heat to the outside of the face can help speed up the removal of the discoloration.

🥣 Diet

• Immediate: After the bleeding has stopped, drink plenty of fluids.

• Soft Foods: Stick to liquids and very soft foods on the day of surgery. Refer to our Gujarati Diet Guide for healing foods like soft Khichdi, Chaas, and Shiro.

• Transition: Return to a normal diet as soon as possible, but avoid chewing directly on the surgical sites.

🧫 Antibiotics

If you have been placed on antibiotics, take the tablets or liquid as directed. Antibiotics are given to help prevent infection. Discontinue use only if you develop a rash or other unfavorable reaction and call our office immediately.

🪥 Oral Hygiene

• Day of Surgery: No rinsing of any kind.

• Day After: You can begin brushing your teeth gently.

• Rinsing: Rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) at least 5–6 times a day, especially after eating from the third day.