Post-Operative Instructions
Extractions & Wisdom Teeth
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- •Bite firmly on the gauze pad placed by your surgeon for 30–45 minutes. If bleeding continues, replace with a fresh piece of gauze and bite for another 30 minutes.
- •Apply an ice pack to your face in 20-minute on/off cycles for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. Swelling typically peaks at 48–72 hours and gradually improves over the following week.
- •Do not rinse, spit, use a straw, or smoke for the first 24 hours. These actions can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket.
- •Begin gentle warm saltwater rinses (1/2 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water) the day after surgery. Rinse after meals and before bed.
- •Eat soft foods for the first several days — yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods until you're comfortable chewing.
- •Take medications as prescribed. Begin with ibuprofen and acetaminophen as directed before the local anesthesia wears off.
- •Call our office if you experience severe pain after the third day (possible dry socket), fever above 101°F, excessive bleeding, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.