There is a ton of information on what to do BEFORE your wisdom teeth removal surgery but what about after? Here we will go through some basic post operative care so that you feel at ease once the surgery is over.
After your wisdom teeth are removed you will need to bite down on gauze at the extraction sites so that direct pressure will allow clotting and use a cold compress/ice packet to help reduce any swelling. We try our best to keep you from looking like a chipmunk!
Once the clots are formed these are like band-aids to the bone and will allow for faster healing. Since we want these “band-aids” to stay you should not do anything to dislodge them. We recommend not drinking through straws and no smoking for at least 7 days after surgery. This negative pressure can actually pull out the blood clots that are present and cause what is known as a dry socket. These can be very painful and usually occur within the first 3 days after surgery if you get one at all. The best way to avoid getting a dry socket is to follow the instructions provided.
Dry sockets occur when the bone and nerve are exposed
and a blood clot has been dislodged after an extraction.
AVOID A DRY SOCKET:
- Do not drink sodas or anything acidic (orange juice, lemonade, etc.) for the first 7 days after surgery
- Do not drink through straws, smoke, or vape for the first 7 days after surgery
- Do not eat hard or crunchy foods
- Do not do anything to disturb the area – avoid rubbing your tongue over the site(s)
- Do not do any heavy squishing or spitting for the first 3 days after surgery
- Do not exercise vigorously for approximately 3 days after your surgery – Consult your doctor for more individualized answers.
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK AFTER SURGERY:
- Stay well hydrated! Water is the perfect drink of choice after surgery since most people will become dehydrated without realizing it.
- Gatorade, Juice (non-acidic), and Milk are also good options
- Immediately following surgery we recommend cool soft foods: Ice-cream, Jello, Pudding, Applesauce, Yogurt, Protein shakes or Milkshakes (no straws!).
- The week following surgery we recommend softer foods: Mashed potatoes, Soups, Stews, Macaroni and Cheese, Noodles, shredded or chopped meat and vegetables.
- Based on your healing process you can resume normal habits as soon as you feel ready but our recommendation is if something hurts then back up.
- If food gets caught in the areas please lightly swish with warm salt water to dislodge but do not go fishing for it!
To discuss proper use of pain medications after your surgery please call our offices to discuss each case individually. If you ever have a question or concern that we have not addressed please contact us!
