Wisdom Tooth Extraction Post-operative Care Instructions

Day of Surgery

BLEEDING The gauze pad placed over the surgical area should be kept in place for a half hour following extraction. After the initial 30

minutes, change gauze, discarding used gauze. If bleeding continues, place new gauze and hold in place with firm bite pressure. You

may keep changing the gauze every 30 minutes, up to 2-3 hours, until the bleeding slows to a slight ooze or stops. The amount of

bleeding will vary from person to person. Most bleeding will slow or stop within 3 to 4 hours, but a small amount of bleeding is

possible for up to 48 hours.

EATING To allow blood clots to form, do not eat for 2 hours after surgery. Start with clear liquids, such as apple juice, tea or broth.

Gradually adjust your diet as tolerated. Always cool down any hot foods or liquids during the first 24 hours to room temperature as

gum tissue is sensitive to heat.

Day After Surgery

BRUSHING Resume brushing the day after surgery. It is important to brush all teeth, even if the teeth and gums are sensitive. Bacterial

plaque and food accumulation near the extraction site will delay healing. No swishing or spitting, even when brushing teeth. When

rinsing mouth, move head from side to side and lean over sink to allow water to fall out without force.

RINSING Begin salt-water rinses the day after surgery and continue for 1 week. Rinse with warm salt water gently 6 to 8 times each

day by shaking head from side to side rather than swishing. To make the salt-water solution, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a small

glass of warm water.

Week of Surgery Reminders

DIET Eat only soft food for the first week (soups, eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, etc.). For 2 weeks (3-4 weeks if you had lower

wisdom teeth extracted), do not eat hard, crunchy or very chewy foods (chips, popcorn, grits, etc.). To help prevent dry socket, do not

use a straw for the first 5-7 days after surgery.

SWELLING Swelling is normal after surgery and is a major cause of post-extraction discomfort. Pain and swelling typically peaks by the

or 5

day. For the first 24 hours after surgery, apply an ice pack to the side of your face for 10 minutes; transfer it to the opposite

side for another 10 minutes. Keep your head elevated on 2 pillows for 3 to 4 days. These measures will not eliminate swelling, but will

help to reduce severity. It is normal for swelling or jaw stiffness to persist for several days after surgery.

DISCOMFORT Discomfort up to 7 days is normal after the extraction of wisdom teeth.

SMOKING, VAPING Do not smoke for at least a week. Smoking will increase your bleeding; the nicotine and tar in tobacco impairs

healing and may cause dry socket.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY No vigorous physical activity for a minimum of four days following your surgery. Physical activity increases blood

pressure, which will cause an increase in your swelling, pain, and bleeding. Gradually increase your activity, such as jogging or tennis 7

days after your surgery.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your post-operative care, call our office at 843-762-9028. If you are calling

after regular business hours, our after hours service will relay your concerns to our on call Clinical team.

- Continue to next page for Medication Overview -

Medication Overview

NARCOTIC PAIN MEDICATION To control discomfort, take first dose of pain medication within 2 hours of surgery. Take one tablet every

4 to 6 hours as needed for severe pain only, not to exceed 2600mg in a 24 hour period.. To prevent nausea, take with food. If taken

for severe pain, alternate every 4 to 6 hours with Ibuprofen 600mg.

NON-NARCOTIC PAIN MEDICATION - IBUPROFEN (May also be referred to as Motrin) Take one tablet as needed every 4 hours beginning

6 hours after the first narcotic taken after surgery. If necessary, the Ibuprofen can be taken with your narcotic only to treat the most

severe pain, i.e. 8+ on standard pain scale. If additional Ibuprofen is needed, 3 OTC 200mg pills may be taken at once to total to

prescription strength, not to exceed 3200mg in a 24 hour period.

ANTIBIOTIC If an antibiotic was prescribed, take for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms resolve.

STEROID – MEDROL DOSE PACK Take as directed on box or blister pack until swelling subsides.

ANTI-NAUSEA – ZOFRAN Take as needed to control nausea that may result from narcotic pain medication and/or side effects of IV

sedation.

DEA regulations do not permit providers to call in Schedule II narcotics such as Hydrocodone, Percocet, or Oxycontin. If you

believe you require additional narcotic pain medication, a post-operative appointment in office will be required. There are

no additional fees for post-operative visits. You may call our office at 843-762-9028 to schedule.