The night before wisdom tooth surgery often brings a mixture of relief and nervous anticipation as patients finally address the source of months of discomfort. However, successful wisdom tooth removal depends heavily on following surgical instructions to transform what could be a challenging healing process into a smooth, predictable journey back to optimal oral health.
At Goodove Oral Surgery, we provide comprehensive surgical instructions designed to guide you through every stage of your wisdom tooth removal experience. Our detailed approach ensures you feel prepared and confident about your procedure while achieving the easiest possible recovery.
Pre-Operative Instructions for Surgery Day
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, nine out of ten people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth that requires extraction, making wisdom tooth removal one of the most commonly performed oral surgery procedures.
Proper preparation before your wisdom tooth removal significantly impacts your surgical experience and recovery process. Following specific pre-operative guidelines helps ensure optimal anesthesia effectiveness and reduces the risk of complications during your procedure.
Plan to arrange transportation to and from your appointment, as you will not be able to drive after receiving anesthesia or sedation. Bring a responsible adult who can accompany you home and assist with your initial recovery needs during the first few hours following surgery.
Avoid eating or drinking anything for eight hours before your scheduled procedure time when receiving general anesthesia or IV sedation. This fasting period prevents complications during anesthesia administration and ensures your safety throughout the surgical procedure.
Medical History and Medication Guidelines
Inform our surgical team about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you currently take during your consultation appointment. Some medicines may need to be temporarily discontinued before surgery, while others should be continued as prescribed by your physician.
If you take blood-thinning medications or have specific medical conditions, we may coordinate with your primary care physician to ensure safe surgical protocols. Our team reviews your complete medical history to tailor anesthesia options and surgical approaches to your individual health profile.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery Instructions
Immediate post-operative care plays a crucial role in preventing complications and promoting optimal healing after wisdom tooth removal. Following specific recovery guidelines during the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours significantly impacts your overall healing experience.
Keep gauze pads in place for the first hour after surgery, applying gentle pressure to control bleeding and encourage blood clot formation. Replace gauze as needed during the first few hours, but avoid disturbing the surgical sites unnecessarily once bleeding has stopped.
Apply ice packs to the outside of your face for twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off during the first day to minimize swelling and discomfort. Cold therapy works most effectively when applied consistently during the initial hours following your procedure.
Pain Management and Activity Restrictions
Take prescribed pain medications as directed, beginning before the local anesthesia completely wears off to stay ahead of discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be recommended to supplement prescription medications for optimal comfort management.
Rest quietly for the remainder of the surgery day, avoiding strenuous activities that could increase bleeding or delay healing. Plan to take at least one to two days off from work or school to allow your body to focus energy on the healing process.
Avoid drinking through straws, spitting forcefully, or rinsing vigorously for the first seventy-two hours to prevent dislodging blood clots from the extraction sites. These actions can lead to dry socket, a painful complication that significantly delays healing.
Dietary Guidelines and Oral Hygiene Instructions
Your diet immediately following wisdom tooth removal should consist of soft, cool foods that require minimal chewing and won’t irritate the surgical sites. Cold foods like ice cream, smoothies, and yogurt can provide comfort while supporting proper nutrition during the initial recovery period.
Gradually introduce firmer foods as healing progresses, typically after the first few days when discomfort decreases and swelling subsides. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could damage healing tissues or become trapped in extraction sites.
Gentle oral hygiene becomes essential after the first twenty-four hours to prevent infection while protecting healing surgical sites. Beginning the day after surgery, rinse the extraction sites gently with warm salt water several times daily, especially after meals, to keep them clean. Continue brushing your teeth carefully, avoiding the surgical areas during the first few days while tissues are most sensitive.
Warning Signs and When to Contact Our Office
While some discomfort and swelling are normal after wisdom tooth removal, certain symptoms require immediate professional attention. Contact our office immediately if you experience:
- Severe bleeding that doesn’t respond to pressure
- Increasing pain after the third day
- Signs of infection, such as fever, persistent bad taste, or unusual discharge from the extraction site
- Dry socket symptoms, including intense throbbing pain that radiates to your ear
Some patients may experience temporary numbness in the lips, tongue, or chin after surgery, particularly with the extraction of lower wisdom teeth. While this usually resolves gradually over weeks to months, report persistent numbness to ensure appropriate monitoring and care.
Trust Your Recovery to Goodove Oral Surgery
Following these comprehensive surgical instructions can significantly improve your wisdom tooth removal experience and recovery outcomes. Our detailed guidance helps ensure the best possible healing while minimizing complications and discomfort throughout the process.
At Goodove Oral Surgery, we remain your trusted hometown oral surgeons, maintaining our independence while competitors have gone corporate to provide the individualized attention and personalized care you deserve. Our doctors have operating privileges at several local hospitals, ensuring access to comprehensive care when extensive procedures require specialized facilities. Contact our Virginia Beach office at (757) 720-7486 or our Chesapeake office at (757) 697-7107 to schedule your consultation and receive detailed surgical instructions tailored to your specific needs.
How long does wisdom teeth removal recovery take?
Most patients recover within 7 to 10 days, though complete healing takes several weeks. Expect the most discomfort and swelling during the first 2 to 3 days, with gradual improvement thereafter. Many people return to school or work within 3 to 5 days depending on extraction complexity. Jaw stiffness typically resolves within one week. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or contact sports for at least one week. Individual results vary based on age, overall health, and whether wisdom teeth were impacted.
What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Start with soft, cool foods including ice cream, smoothies, yogurt, pudding, applesauce, and protein shakes. After 24 hours, add lukewarm soups, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and well-cooked pasta. Gradually introduce firmer foods after 3 to 4 days as comfort improves. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or sticky foods for at least one week—including chips, nuts, popcorn, and chewy candy. Stay away from hot beverages and foods during the first 48 hours. Drink plenty of water while avoiding alcohol and carbonated beverages.
When can I go back to school or work after wisdom teeth removal?
Most patients return to school or work within 3 to 5 days after wisdom teeth removal. If your activities involve minimal physical exertion, you may feel ready sooner, while jobs requiring heavy lifting may require a full week off. Plan to take at least 2 to 3 days for initial recovery when discomfort and swelling are most significant. Some residual facial swelling may be visible for up to a week. Listen to your body and don’t rush back before you’re ready, as premature exertion can increase bleeding and delay healing.
What are signs of infection after wisdom teeth removal?
Warning signs include fever above 100°F developing 2 to 3 days after surgery, increasing pain and swelling that worsens after the third day, persistent bad taste or foul odor from extraction sites, yellow or white discharge, and difficulty swallowing or breathing. Severe, throbbing pain radiating to your ear may indicate dry socket rather than infection. Some discomfort and swelling are normal during the first few days but should gradually improve.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth are coming in?
Common signs include pain or tenderness in the back of your mouth near the molars, red or swollen gums in the wisdom tooth area, jaw pain or stiffness making opening your mouth difficult, and mild throbbing behind your last molars. You might notice swelling or feel a hard surface emerging through the gum. Some experience headaches, bad breath, or unpleasant taste. Symptoms often come and go. Not everyone experiences discomfort, which is why regular dental checkups with X-rays are important. Schedule an evaluation if you notice these symptoms.
What is dry socket and how can I prevent it?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot protecting your extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolves prematurely, exposing bone and nerves. This painful condition typically develops 3 to 5 days after removal and causes severe, throbbing pain radiating to your ear. Prevent it by avoiding straws, spitting forcefully, smoking, or rinsing vigorously during the first 72 hours. Don’t touch extraction sites with your tongue or fingers. Maintain gentle oral hygiene after 24 hours using salt water rinses. If you develop symptoms, contact our office immediately.
When can I brush my teeth after wisdom teeth removal?
Resume gentle tooth brushing the day after removal, carefully avoiding surgical sites during the first few days. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and be extra gentle around extraction areas. Focus on keeping the rest of your mouth clean with normal brushing while treating surgical sites with salt water rinses beginning 24 hours after surgery. After 3 to 4 days, carefully begin brushing closer to extraction sites using very gentle strokes. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash during the first week. Resume normal brushing habits after one week.
Will I be able to talk normally after wisdom teeth removal?
You may experience temporary difficulty speaking clearly for the first 24 to 48 hours due to numbness from local anesthesia, swelling, and jaw stiffness. Speech may sound slightly muffled or slurred during initial recovery. Numbness in your lips, tongue, or chin typically resolves within a few hours, though swelling may persist for several days. As swelling decreases and jaw muscles relax, speech returns to normal within 3 to 5 days. Avoid excessive talking during the first day. Report persistent numbness lasting more than a few days to our office.
