Post-operative instructions for wisdom teeth extraction

Do not spit forcefully or rinse vigorously on the day of the surgery. The day after your surgery, you can gently rinse with a little warm salt water (1/3 teaspoon in 1 glass of water), or the mouthwash that may have been prescribed to you. Unless otherwise advised, you can brush your teeth gently, avoiding the wounds left by the tooth extraction. Good hygiene promotes favorable tissue healing.

On the first day, a soft and cold diet is recommended. Avoid foods and liquids that are too hot, too hard, or too spicy. Avoid any pressure on the area where the extraction wounds are located. It is important to stay properly hydrated.

Do not smoke. Smoking delays healing and increases the risk of infection following the operation.

Avoid any intense physical activity for the three days following the operation.

On the first day, take your pain medication regularly (every 4 hours) and as needed thereafter. Take all other medications as prescribed.

After wisdom teeth extraction, heavy bleeding is rare. In case of moderate bleeding, bite gently on one of the 2×2 gauze pads provided to you. It is also recommended not to drink through a straw for the first 24 hours, as the suction could delay blood clot formation. Also, bruising may appear on the cheeks or neck; it will disappear without any treatment in 5 to 7 days. Please note that light bleeding is normal during the first 24 hours and appears as small streaks of blood mixed with saliva.

To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the side of the face where your wisdom teeth were extracted, alternating 10 to 15 minutes with ice and 10 to 15 minutes without ice. Do this only for the first 24 hours following your surgery. Starting on the third day, the use of warm, moist compresses is recommended. Note that swelling is normal and should disappear within 5 to 7 days following surgery. It is normal to have difficulty opening your mouth.