Before surgery
To prepare for Wisdom Tooth Extraction, follow these instructions below:
Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for at least 6 hours before surgery if receiving IV Sedation or General Anesthesia
Medications: If instructed, take approved medications with a small sip of water. Avoid blood-thinning medications unless otherwise directed
Oral hygiene: Brush and floss before your appointment, but do not use mouthwash
Clothing and accessories: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid jewelry, contact lenses, nail polish, or heavy makeup
Transportation: If undergoing Sedation or General Anesthesia, a responsible adult must accompany you and drive you home. Minors must have a parent or legal guardian present
Illness: If you feel sick, congested, or unwell, notify our office as soon as possible
Planning ahead: Stock up on soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies to make eating easier after surgery
During surgery
Wisdom Teeth Removal is a routine outpatient procedure performed under Local Anesthesia, IV sedation, or General Anesthesia to ensure comfort. The surgeon will make a small incision in the gum, remove the tooth (sometimes in sections for easier extraction), and close the area with dissolvable stitches if necessary.
What to expect
- The procedure typically lasts 30–60 minutes, depending on the complexity
- You will feel numb or drowsy afterward, with some swelling and mild discomfort expected
- Bleeding is normal for the first few hours, but it should gradually decrease
- Most patients recover within 3–5 days, with full healing in a few weeks
- You’ll need to rest, eat soft foods, and avoid straws and strenuous activity for a smooth recovery
Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure a comfortable and successful healing process.
After surgery
Proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth recovery. Follow these instructions to ensure healing and minimize complications.
Managing bleeding & gauze
- Keep the initial gauze pad in place for 30 minutes, then replace it with fresh gauze as needed until bleeding slows
- If bleeding persists, bite down on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes to help clot formation
- Avoid spitting, using a straw, or vigorous rinsing for at least a week, as these can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket
Swelling & pain management
- Swelling typically peaks 2–3 days after surgery and is normal. Apply ice packs to the face in 20-minute intervals for the first 24–36 hours to reduce swelling
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed. Avoid alcohol and driving while taking narcotic pain relievers
- Jaw stiffness and mild bruising are common and should improve within a week
Diet & hydration
- Stick to a soft food diet (e.g., mashed potatoes, applesauce, yogurt, broth). Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods
- Stay hydrated, but do not use a straw to prevent dislodging the blood clot
Oral hygiene & activity
- Avoid rinsing or touching the surgical area for 24 hours. After that, gently rinse 5–6 times daily with warm salt water, especially after meals
- Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the surgical sites
- Rest and limit strenuous activity for at least 3–5 days
Medications & possible side effects
- If prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed to prevent infection. Stop use if you experience a rash or adverse reaction and contact our office
- Nausea or vomiting may occur due to Anesthesia or pain medication. If this happens, sip ginger ale or clear liquids before trying solid food
When to contact us
- Excessive bleeding that does not slow with gauze pressure
- Severe pain or swelling that worsens after 3–5 days
- Signs of infection, such as fever, persistent bad taste, or pus
- Dry socket symptoms (severe pain radiating to the ear or jaw)
If you have any concerns, please contact our office immediately. We are here to ensure a safe and smooth recovery!
