Top Oral Surgeon Falcon, Peyton, Limon, Colorado Springs and surrounding areas
After Wisdom Tooth Removal
The removal of impacted teeth is a major surgical procedure, and proper post-operative care is essential for a smooth recovery. Following the provided instructions carefully can help minimize discomfort, reduce swelling, and lower the risk of complications such as infection.
Immediately Following Surgery
Following these guidelines after your procedure will help promote healing and minimize complications:
Keep the gauze pad over the surgical site for the first hour, then remove and discard it.
Avoid vigorous rinsing or touching the surgical area to prevent disturbing the blood clot and causing bleeding.
Take prescribed pain medication as soon as you feel discomfort, typically as the local anesthetic begins to wear off.
Limit physical activity on the day of surgery and resume normal activities when you feel ready.
Apply ice packs to the sides of your face where the surgery was performed. Refer to the swelling section for more details.
Bleeding
Some bleeding is normal after surgery, and you may notice slight oozing or redness in your saliva. If bleeding becomes excessive, place a gauze pad over the surgical site and bite down firmly for an hour. If needed, replace the gauze and repeat the process.
If bleeding persists, try using a moistened black tea bag instead of gauze, as the tannins in tea can help constrict blood vessels. If bleeding does not subside, please contact our office for further guidance.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal part of the healing process and varies depending on the extent of the surgery. It is common to experience swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and sides of the face. This typically becomes noticeable the day after surgery and peaks around days 2-3.
To minimize swelling, apply ice packs to the affected area in 20-minute intervals during the first 48 hours. After this period, switching to moist heat can help reduce swelling and promote healing.
Pain
For moderate pain, you can take one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol every 3-4 hours. Alternatively, Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be used in place of Tylenol. Over-the-counter Ibuprofen comes in 200 mg tablets; you can take 2-3 tablets every four hours, up to a maximum of 3200 mg daily for adults. Please consult with our office if you are under 18. Do not take both Tylenol and Ibuprofen at the same time.
For severe pain, follow the prescribed medication instructions. If you are allergic to any of these medications or have been advised not to take them by your doctor, please refrain from using them. Avoid driving or operating machinery while on pain medications, and do not consume alcoholic beverages.
Pain should gradually decrease each day. However, if discomfort persists or worsens, please contact our office for further guidance.
Diet
After receiving general anesthesia or IV sedation, you should only consume liquids initially. Drink from a glass and avoid using straws, as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot and cause additional bleeding. Once you’re ready, you may eat soft foods, but make sure to chew away from the surgical sites.
It’s important to focus on a high-calorie, high-protein diet to support healing. Our staff is available to provide diet recommendations to ensure proper nutrition. Aim to eat regularly and stay hydrated by drinking fluids consistently to avoid dehydration. Your food intake may be limited in the first few days, so increase your fluid intake to compensate. Try not to skip meals—eating will help you feel better, maintain strength, reduce discomfort, and promote faster healing.
Keep the mouth clean
Avoid rinsing your mouth on the day of surgery to protect the healing process. Starting the day after surgery, rinse at least 5-6 times a day—especially after meals—using a solution of one teaspoon of salt mixed into a cup of warm water. This will help keep the surgical area clean and promote healing.
Discoloration
It is normal to experience some skin discoloration following swelling. Bruising may appear black, blue, green, or yellow as blood spreads beneath the tissues. This typically develops 2-3 days after surgery and is a common part of the healing process. Applying moist heat to the affected area can help speed up the fading of discoloration.
Antibiotics
If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed to help prevent infection. If you experience a rash or any other adverse reaction, discontinue use immediately and contact our office. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, please call us.
Nausea and Vomiting
If you experience nausea or vomiting after surgery, avoid consuming anything by mouth for at least one hour, including prescribed medications. After this period, slowly sip on Coke, tea, or ginger ale over 15 minutes. Once the nausea subsides, you may gradually resume eating soft foods and taking your prescribed medications as directed. If symptoms persist, please contact our office.
Other Complications
While healing after oral surgery, you may experience some temporary side effects. Below are common concerns and how to manage them:
Numbness: Temporary numbness in the lip, chin, or tongue may occur. This is usually not a cause for concern and should gradually subside. However, be cautious while eating to avoid accidentally biting the numb area.
Slight Fever: A mild increase in temperature is normal after surgery. If it persists, please contact our office. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or ibuprofen can help reduce fever.
Dizziness & Standing Up: Moving too quickly from a lying position may cause lightheadedness due to medications or low blood sugar. Sit up slowly and wait a moment before standing to prevent dizziness.
Hard Projections in the Mouth: Some patients may feel small, firm areas with their tongue. These are not tooth roots but the natural bony structures that supported the tooth. They typically smooth out on their own, but if needed, your surgeon can remove them.
Lip Care: If the corners of your mouth become dry or cracked from stretching during surgery, apply a moisturizing ointment like Vaseline to keep them hydrated.
Sore Throat & Swallowing Discomfort: Some patients experience mild throat pain or discomfort when swallowing due to muscle swelling. This should improve within 2-3 days.
Jaw Stiffness (Trismus): Difficulty opening your mouth is common after oral surgery due to temporary muscle stiffness. This will gradually improve as healing progresses.
Finally
Sutures may be placed in the area of surgery to minimize post-operative bleeding and to help healing. Sometimes they become dislodged. This is no cause for alarm. Just remove the suture from your mouth and discard it.
The pain and swelling should subside more and more each day following surgery. If your post-operative pain or swelling worsens or unusual symptoms occur, call our office for instructions.
There will be a void where the tooth was removed. The void will fill in with new tissue gradually over the next month. In the meantime, the area should be kept clean, especially after meals, with salt water rinses or a toothbrush.
Brushing your teeth is okay – just be gentle at the surgical sites.
Dry socket
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot dislodges too early from the tooth socket, which can cause discomfort. Symptoms may include pain at the surgical site or even near the ear, typically 2-3 days after surgery. If you experience these symptoms, please contact our office for assistance.
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