Post-Operative Instructions for 3rd Molar Extractions

Do not spit, rinse, use a straw, or drink carbonated beverages for at least 48 to 72 hours. The goal is to keep the blood clot in the socket to prevent bleeding and a painful complication from occurring known as a dry socket.

Leaving your appointment:

• Apply pressure to gauze for 20 – 30 minutes
• With clean hands, remove gauze
• Eat soft foods
• Drink plenty of clear liquids
• Begin taking prescriptions (as directed) as soon as they are filled
• With clean hands, place clean gauze in mouth and apply pressure for another 20 minutes

Things to be aware of:

• The morning after surgery, start brushing teeth gently and be careful not to spit – just let water passively empty from your mouth.
• Gentle salt water rinses should be  done after eating and before bed.
• If bleeding persists after the above steps, apply firm pressure on gauze for 40 minutes and do not change the gauze frequently.
• Light bleeding, discomfort, and swelling are all normal for a few days after wisdom teeth extractions.
• Ice packs can be applied to cheeks in 15-minute increments.
• Nausea can occur after oral surgery. Nausea can be reduced by eating prior to taking pain medication, followed by a large volume of water. If nausea persists, please notify Dr. Ashley’s office.

Days 3-5 Post-Op:

• Days 3-5 after surgery will be the peak of discomfort and swelling.
• Day 3 after surgery, switching over to heat compress is recommended. Soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, etc. are recommended for a week after surgery.
• Day 5 after surgery, the monoject syringe given to you should be used. Pull up warm salt water to gently flush sockets as needed for trapped food. Stitches are not placed after wisdom teeth removal unless told otherwise. If you have received sutures, avoid playing with them. The stitches will dissolve on their own unless the doctor states otherwise.