After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that requires some post-operative care to reduce the chance of infection or other complications. Immediately after surgery, a gauze pad will be placed over the extraction site, which should not be removed for at least 45 minutes, and then discarded after that. Refrain from drinking from a straw, smoking, or rinsing your mouth to ensure that you do not dislodge the blood clot that has formed. Limit your activities the day of surgery and apply ice to the outside of your face in 20 minute intervals. You can resume your regular activities the following day. Take the pain medication as prescribed to reduce the amount of discomfort you feel after the local anesthetic wears off. As with any oral surgery, refrain from drinking through a straw as doing so creates suction and may disrupt the sutures. Beginning 24 hours after surgery, you can start gently rinsing with warm salt water to soothe the extraction sites.