Post-Operative Care

After Your
Wisdom Tooth Removal

Recovery from wisdom tooth removal is straightforward when the steps below are followed. The instructions cover what to expect and how to look after the extraction site through each stage of healing.

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The First 24 Hours

The first day is the most important. Following these steps closely helps the blood clot form and stabilise in the socket — the foundation for healing.

First 30–45 min

Bite firmly on the gauze placed over the extraction site. Do not talk, eat, or drink. Keep pressure steady. Replace gauze once if it becomes saturated.

First 2 hours

No eating, drinking, or rinsing. Keep your head slightly elevated when sitting or lying down. Avoid bending over or lifting anything heavy.

First 24 hours

Do not: rinse your mouth, spit forcefully, use a straw, smoke, vape, or drink alcohol. All of these can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket — a painful complication that delays healing.

First night

Sleep with your head elevated on an extra pillow. Some oozing of blood mixed with saliva is normal and can stain the pillowcase — use an old one or place a towel over it.

Bleeding

A small amount of bleeding or oozing is normal for the first 12–24 hours. Saliva mixed with blood often makes bleeding appear worse than it is.

  • If bleeding continues after gauze removal: place a fresh, folded piece of gauze over the site and bite firmly for 30 minutes. Repeat if needed.

  • If bleeding persists: bite on a moistened black tea bag for 30 minutes — tannins in black tea help the clot form.

  • Remain still and calm while applying pressure. Lying down or physical activity increases blood flow to the head and prolongs bleeding.

Pain & Swelling

Some discomfort is expected for the first 2–3 days and gradually improves. Swelling typically peaks around 48–72 hours and then subsides. Bruising of the cheek or jaw can occur and is normal.

  • Start pain medication before the local anaesthetic wears off — do not wait until you are in pain.

  • Take pain medication exactly as prescribed. Follow the dosing and timing on your prescription. Do not substitute or adjust doses without consulting the clinic.

  • Ice packs on the outside of the cheek — 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off — for the first 24 hours reduces swelling.

  • After 48 hours, switch to gentle warm compresses to help resolve bruising and residual swelling.

Eating & Drinking

Begin with cool liquids once the bleeding has settled. Progress gradually as comfort allows.

Day 1

Cool liquids and soft, bland foods — water, lukewarm soup (not hot), smoothies (spoon-fed, no straws), yogurt, ice cream, applesauce, mashed potato.

Days 2–5

Soft foods that require minimal chewing — scrambled eggs, pasta, rice, fish, soft bread, ripe banana.

Days 6–10

Progress to a normal diet as comfort allows. Continue to avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or sharp foods near the extraction site until healing is well established.

Weeks 1–4

Avoid nuts, seeds, popcorn, chips, and anything that can become lodged in the socket while the gum tissue closes over.

DO NOT

  • No straws for 7 days. The suction can dislodge the blood clot.

  • No smoking or vaping for at least 72 hours — ideally for the full healing period. Smoking significantly increases the risk of dry socket and delays healing.

  • No alcohol for 48 hours or while taking prescribed pain medication.

  • No hot drinks or hot food on the first day — heat increases bleeding.

Oral Hygiene

Keeping your mouth clean supports healing — but the extraction site itself must not be disturbed for the first 24 hours.

  • Day 1: do not brush, rinse, or spit. You can gently wipe your teeth with a soft, damp cloth if needed.

  • From Day 2: gently brush your other teeth, avoiding the extraction site. Use a soft-bristled brush.

  • Salt water rinses begin 24 hours after surgery: half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Rinse gently after meals and before bed for the first week. Do not swish vigorously — let the water flow gently through the mouth.

  • Prescribed chlorhexidine rinse (if given) is used twice daily, starting Day 2. Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after rinsing.

  • Around the extraction site: clean very gently with a soft brush starting from Day 3–4, as tolerated.

Activity & Rest

  • Day 1: rest. Avoid exercise, lifting, bending, and strenuous activity. Increased blood pressure can restart bleeding.

  • Days 2–3: light activity only. Walking is fine; no gym, running, or heavy lifting.

  • From Day 4–5: gradually return to normal activity as comfort allows.

  • If you had IV sedation: do not drive, operate machinery, sign important documents, or make significant decisions for 24 hours. Have a responsible adult stay with you overnight.

What to Expect — Healing Timeline

Days 1–3

Peak discomfort and swelling. Soft diet, rest, regular pain medication.

Days 4–7

Swelling and bruising resolving. Discomfort improving. Gum tissue starting to close over the socket.

Week 2

Soft tissue largely healed externally. The socket itself continues to heal beneath the gum.

Weeks 3–6

Full soft tissue healing. Return to normal diet. Any stitches will have dissolved or been removed.

Months 2–6

Bone continues to remodel and fill the socket internally. No visible sign of the extraction remains.

Contact Innova Dental

If anything feels wrong during recovery — increasing pain, persistent bleeding, fever, or anything you are unsure about — contact the clinic.

IN A MEDICAL EMERGENCY:

  • For difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of a severe allergic reaction, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Innova Dental — Post-Operative Instructions: Wisdom Tooth Removal
For general guidance only. Follow the specific instructions given to you at your appointment. If in doubt, contact the clinic.
Website: innovadental.ca
Email: smile@innovadental.ca