Post-Operative Instructions for Wisdom Teeth Extractions (After General Anesthesia)

Post-Operative Instructions for Wisdom Teeth Extractions

(After General Anesthesia)

NexGen Dentistry – National City Oral Surgery & Sedation Care

1. Immediate Recovery

• A responsible adult must accompany the patient home and monitor them for the next 24 hours.
• The patient will feel drowsy, dizzy, and unsteady for the rest of the day—no driving, no stairs without assistance, and no operating machinery.

2. Bleeding

• Slight bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours.
• Keep the initial gauze pack in place for 20 minutes, then remove it. If bleeding continues, replace with fresh gauze and bite down with firm pressure for another 20–30 minutes.
• If bleeding persists, use a damp black tea bag and bite down for 20–30 minutes.
• Do NOT spit, rinse, or use a straw for the first 24–48 hours, as it may dislodge the blood clot (dry socket).

3. Swelling and Bruising

• Swelling is expected and typically peaks around day 2 or 3.
• Use an ice pack on the cheeks—20 minutes on, 20 minutes off—for the first 48 hours.
• After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses to help reduce swelling and stiffness.
• Bruising may develop and usually resolves in about 7–10 days.

4. Pain and Medications

• Begin pain medication and antibiotics as soon as the patient can tolerate food or liquids—do not delay.
• Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed.
• If nausea occurs, try taking medication with a small amount of food.
• If you experience severe pain after 3–4 days, call our office—it could indicate a dry socket.

5. Diet

• Start with soft, cool foods like yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, pudding, or mashed potatoes.
• Avoid hot, spicy, hard, crunchy, or chewy foods for at least 7 days.
• NO straws for 3–5 days.

6. Activity and Rest

• Rest the entire day of surgery. Avoid vigorous activity for 5–7 days.
• No heavy lifting, running, sports, or swimming.
• Do not smoke or vape for at least 10 days—it greatly increases the risk of dry socket and poor healing.
• Sleep with your head elevated for the first couple of nights to reduce swelling.

7. Oral Hygiene

• Do not brush the surgical area for the first 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm saltwater (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz. water) after meals and before bed.
• You may begin brushing the other teeth as normal but avoid the extraction sites.
• If a prescription mouthwash (e.g., Peridex) is given, use it twice daily beginning on day 3, unless directed otherwise.

8. Stitches

• Most stitches used are self-dissolving and will fall out on their own in 5–10 days.
• If non-absorbable sutures are used, we will let you know and schedule a follow-up visit to remove them.

9. Follow-Up
   
   If you have a post-op appointment scheduled, please attend it. Call us at 619-552-3200 if you experience:

• Fever over 101°F
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe or increasing swelling after day 3
• Persistent numbness after 24 hours
• Pus or foul taste in the mouth
• Uncontrolled bleeding

Questions? Concerns?

Call us anytime at (619) 552-3200 or visit www.nexgendds.com

📍909 Euclid Ave, National City, CA 91950