Wisdom Tooth Extraction Aftercare Instructions

Things to Do:

• Bite down on the gauze in your mouth for about 30 minutes after surgery to help stop bleeding.
• Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for about 15 minutes, followed by a 15-minute break, for the first 24 hours after surgery to reduce swelling. You can switch to warm compresses the following day.
• Eat soft, cool foods for 1-2 days after tooth extraction. After that, you can eat and drink normally.
• Get complete rest after surgery for 1-2 days.
• Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Things Not to Do:

• Do not drink alcohol or beer, drink through a straw, or smoke cigarettes while taking medication, as these can affect the healing process.
• Avoid hard, chewy, hot, or spicy foods that could get stuck in the socket or irritate the wound.
• Do not brush or rinse vigorously in the surgical area on the first day after extraction.
• Avoid strenuous activities such as swimming, soccer, heavy lifting, etc., for about 1 week after surgery.

Patients should contact their surgeon immediately if they experience any of the following signs:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Excessive bleeding that cannot be stopped by biting on gauze
• High fever above 102.2°F (39°C)
• Severe pain that is not relieved by pain medication
• Swelling that gets worse after 2 or 3 days