Extractions (including Wisdom Teeth)

Right After Surgery (First Few Hours)

• Bite firmly on the gauze pad placed over the extraction site for 30–60 minutes. Replace with fresh gauze if bleeding continues.
• Some oozing/bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours. A little blood mixed with saliva can look like a lot — don’t panic.
• Apply ice packs to the outside of your face (20 min on, 20 min off) for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.
• Rest with your head elevated on pillows tonight.

First 24–72 Hours

• NO straws, spitting, or smoking — these create suction that can dislodge the blood clot (dry socket).
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat soft, cool foods (yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies, scrambled eggs). Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or seeds.
• Continue gentle salt water rinses (½ tsp salt in 8 oz warm water) several times a day starting the day after surgery.
• Take pain medication and antibiotics exactly as prescribed.

Days 3–7 and Beyond

• Swelling usually peaks at 48–72 hours then gradually decreases.
• Brush teeth gently, avoiding the extraction site for the first few days.
• Stitches (if any) will either dissolve or be removed at your follow-up.
• Most people return to normal activities within 3–7 days (wisdom teeth can take longer).

Call Us If You Experience

Severe pain that suddenly increases after 3–4 days, heavy bleeding that won’t stop with gauze, fever, pus, or swelling that worsens after 72 hours.