After wisdom tooth removal in Denver, CO

After Wisdom Tooth Removal

The removal of impacted teeth is a surgical procedure. Proper post-operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain, infection, and swelling can be minimized by carefully following these instructions.

Immediately Following Surgery

Keep the gauze pad placed over the surgical area in place for 30 minutes. After this time, remove and discard the gauze. If bleeding persists, replace with a new gauze pad for another 30 minutes.
Limit talking. Excessive talking can disturb the blood clots that form in the surgical areas.
Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the wound area following surgery. This may dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding.
Take prescribed pain medication as soon as you begin to feel discomfort. This usually occurs as the local anesthetic wears off.
Restrict activity on the day of surgery. Resume normal activity when you feel comfortable and begin returning to a normal diet as tolerated.
Apply ice packs to the sides of your face where surgery was performed. Do not leave ice in place for longer than 20 minutes at a time.

Bleeding

A certain amount of bleeding is normal following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is common and may last one to two days.

If excessive bleeding occurs:

Place a gauze pad directly over the surgical site and apply firm pressure for 30 minutes.
Repeat if necessary. Avoid frequently changing gauze, as this can dislodge early clot formation.
If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes. The tannic acid helps constrict blood vessels and promote clot formation.

To reduce bleeding:

Sit upright and remain calm.
Avoid exercise and physical exertion.
Do not apply ice to the face if bleeding is difficult to control, as cold can reduce platelet function.

If bleeding does not subside, call the office for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal response to surgery and varies depending on the procedure performed. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and sides of the face is common and usually peaks two to three days after surgery.

To reduce swelling:

Apply ice packs to the face for the first 24 hours.
Use ice intermittently: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.
After 24 hours, ice is no longer beneficial.

If swelling or jaw stiffness persists for several days, this is normal. After the first 24 hours, moist heat applied to the face can help reduce swelling. Do not apply heat if you are being treated for an acute infection.

Pain

For moderate pain, over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or ibuprofen may be used.
For severe pain, take prescribed medication exactly as directed.

Prescription pain medication may cause drowsiness and slow reflexes. Do not drive, operate machinery, or consume alcohol while taking these medications. Pain should gradually decrease each day. If pain worsens or does not improve, contact the office.

Diet

After general anesthesia or IV sedation, begin with liquids or soft foods such as ice cream.
Do not use straws. Drink from a glass, as suction can dislodge blood clots.
Eat soft foods and chew away from surgical sites.
Maintain a high-calorie intake to support healing.
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Aim for at least 6–8 glasses per day.
Avoid nuts, seeds, popcorn, and chips for two weeks.

Eating regularly helps you feel better, regain strength, reduce discomfort, and heal faster.

Caution with Position Changes

If you suddenly sit up or stand from a lying position, you may feel dizzy. If lying down, sit for one minute before standing.

Oral Hygiene

Very gentle rinsing may be done later on the day of surgery.
Do not brush your teeth until the following day.
Starting the day after surgery, brushing is allowed. Be gentle around surgical sites.

Discoloration

Discoloration of the skin may occur after swelling. Bruising may appear black, blue, green, or yellow as blood spreads beneath the tissue. This is normal. Moist heat can help speed resolution.

Antibiotics

If antibiotics are prescribed, take them exactly as directed and complete the full course. Call the office if you experience an adverse reaction. It is important to distinguish side effects from true allergies.

Nausea and Vomiting

If nausea or vomiting occurs:

Eat before taking medications to protect your stomach.
Stick to a bland diet.
If symptoms are severe, a prescription may be provided.

Other Possible Complications

Temporary numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue may occur. This is usually temporary. Be careful not to bite numb areas.
A slight elevation in temperature is normal after surgery. If fever persists, notify the office.
Jaw stiffness (trismus) is common and will improve with time. You will not damage the surgical area by gently opening your mouth.
Sore throat or pain with swallowing may occur due to muscle swelling and will resolve.
Hard projections felt with the tongue are often bony edges and will smooth out naturally.
Dry or cracked lips can occur. Use lip ointment such as petroleum jelly.

Sutures and Healing

Sutures may or may not be placed during surgery. If sutures become loose or fall out, this is not a concern. Remove and discard them. Most sutures dissolve on their own unless you are told otherwise.

The extraction site will gradually fill in with tissue over the next several weeks. Keep the area clean, especially after meals, using rinses or gentle brushing.

Dry Socket

A dry socket occurs when the blood clot is dislodged prematurely. Symptoms include pain at the surgical site or pain radiating to the ear, typically four to six days after surgery. Call the office if this occurs.

Final Notes

Every patient heals differently. Do not rely on advice from friends or the internet. Contact the surgical team if you have questions or concerns. They are most familiar with your specific case and can provide the best guidance.

Schedule your visit at [practice_name] across the Denver Metro area, call us at one of our convenient locations, Cherry Creek, Central Park, and Parker.