Wisdom Tooth Surgical Extraction Aftercare

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AUGUST 22, 2025

Wisdom Tooth Surgical Extraction Aftercare

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Removal of impacted wisdom teeth is a surgical procedure and differs significantly from the extraction of erupted teeth. Following surgical extraction, certain symptoms may occur. These are generally considered normal. However, post-operative problems are not uncommon, and it is important to take extra care to minimise the risk of complications.

Table of Contents

Do’s
Don’ts

Bite on the gauze pad for 45 minutes to control bleeding.

Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours. Swallow saliva normally.

If bleeding persists, replace gauze and
bite firmly for another 30 minutes; repeat as needed.

Do not use a straw.

Notify us immediately if bleeding
continues beyond 24 hours or is excessive.

Do not smoke for at least 5 days to reduce risk of infection.

Drink plenty of fluids (avoid straws)

Do not touch the extraction site with fingers or tongue.

Brush teeth as usual, gently,
avoiding direct contact with the extraction site.

Do not use vigorous rinsing or swishing for the first 24 hours.

Allow dissolvable sutures to fall out naturally
(usually 4–10 days)

Do not pull, tug, or attempt to
cut the sutures yourself, even if they feel loose.

Be cautious when resuming regular activities
as your calorie intake has been reduced

Do not engage in strenuous activities or exercise.

While You Are Still Numb

  • Numbness usually wears off in a few hours — don’t be alarmed if it lasts a bit longer.
  • Do not bite or pinch your lip, tongue, or cheek to “test” numbness.
    • To check if the numbness is gone, gently graze both sides of your lips — they should feel the same.
  • Avoid eating until the numbness has completely worn off as you can accidentally bite your lip, tongue and/ or cheek which can lead to painful ulcers, chips or fracture of your teeth or existing fillings.
  • Drink only room temperature or cold water during this time.

For the Remainder of the Day

  • Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours after the surgical extraction.
    • Use a tissue to wipe your mouth as needed, or swallow your saliva (yes, it is okay to swallow your saliva, which may have a tinge of blood taste).
  • Do not use a drinking straw as this creates suction in the mouth that could cause complications.
    • Drink straight from the cup.
  • Avoid smoking for at least 5 days to reduce risk of infection.
  • Keep fingers and tongue away from the socket or extraction area.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. (Remember: do not use a straw)
  • Do not perform any strenuous activities or do any exercise today.
  • Notify us if you develop a fever.

Bleeding

  • Continue to bite on the gauze pad for 45 minutes after the appointment.
  • Do not disturb the blood clots as bleeding will persist should the blood clots dislodge.
  • If the bleeding or oozing persists, insert another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.
  • If the bleeding doesn’t stop in 24 hours or there is excessive bleeding, call us immediately.

Discomfort

  • Please take the pain medication once you arrive home as this will help to provide a comfortable recovery experience.
    • Do not wait until the numbness has subsided.
  • Post-surgical pain and soft tissue discomfort is expected but usually last for 3-4 days.
  • Follow the instructions for the prescribed pain medications carefully.
  • For mild discomfort, please take your usual painkillers. If you prefer to have painkillers prescribed to you, please kindly inform us.

Swelling

  • Facial swelling and bruising may occur on the side of the surgery, which may last a few days.
  • Placing an ice pack may help to reduce the swelling and discomfort.
    • You can put it for 10 minutes and take it for 10 minutes and repeat the cycle as necessary.

Diet

  • Your diet should consist mainly of non-abrasive, soft, easily swallowed foods and cool drinks as soon as the numbness wears off and for the first few days after the extraction.
  • Avoid hard, sticky, chewy, crusty, or small-seeded foods—such as nuts, popcorn, or rice—as they can irritate the extraction site or become trapped in the socket, potentially causing complications.

Oral Hygiene

  • Start warm saltwater or prescribed mouthwash rinses from the day after surgery after meals to gently flush out food particles and debris.
  • You may brush your teeth as usual, but be very careful, avoiding any direct contact with the surgical site.

Sutures

  • Unless otherwise advised, the stitches placed during your procedure are dissolvable and will naturally fall out on their own.
    • This usually happens within the first week after surgery, but in some cases, it may take anywhere between 4 to 10 days.
  • It is normal if you notice small pieces of suture thread coming loose in your mouth.
  • Do not pull, tug, or attempt to cut the sutures yourself, even if they feel loose.
  • Keep fingers and tongue away from the stitches to avoid irritation or dislodging them.

Other Post-Treatment Instructions To Note

  • Temporary numbness of lips or tongue can occur.
  • Jaw stiffness (trismus) may occur; usually resolves in a few days.
  • Avoid strenuous activity for 3–4 days; be cautious when resuming regular activities as your regular caloric and fluid intake has been reduced, so you may get light-headed, dizzy, or weak.
  • Difficulty opening the mouth or mild discomfort when swallowing should resolve in 7–10 days.
  • Apply Vaseline or lip balm to prevent cracked lips.
  • Avoid traveling overseas for at least 7 days post-surgery to allow us to monitor your healing and provide care promptly if any issues arise.

⚠ Emergency Situations (Call Us Immediately)

Call our clinic immediately if you experience the following:

  • Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding
    • Bleeding that continues beyond 24 hours or cannot be controlled by gauze pressure.
  • Severe or worsening pain
    • Pain not relieved by prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
  • Persistent swelling or bruising
    • Swelling that worsens after 48–72 hours, or swelling accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing.
  • Signs of infection
    • Fever, chills, pain, foul taste or smell in the mouth, or pus from the surgical site.
  • Numbness or altered sensation
    • Numbness of lips, tongue, or cheek lasting more than 24 hours.
  • Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing
    • Trismus or discomfort that does not improve within a week.
  • Other concerning symptoms
    • Dizziness, fainting, or any reaction you feel is unusual after the procedure.
  • Sutures fall out within the first 24 hours.

 

*Remember: If in doubt, it’s always safer to call us. Prompt attention can prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery!