BackGood care after wisdom teeth removal helps you heal comfortably. Swelling, soreness, mild bleeding, and temporary jaw stiffness are common after surgery. These symptoms should slowly improve as your mouth heals.
Your surgical team at El Paso Oral Surgery will give you personalized instructions. If those instructions differ from the general information below, always follow the directions given to you.
What Should I Do in the First 24 Hours After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
In the first 24 hours, your main job is to protect the blood clots that form over your extraction sites. These clots are part of healing, and protecting them helps lower the risk of complications such as dry socket.
- Bite gently on gauze as directed to help control bleeding.
- Do not rinse or spit forcefully during the first stage of healing.
- Avoid drinking through straws or creating suction in your mouth.
- Do not touch the extraction sites with your fingers or tongue.
- Rest and avoid strenuous physical activity.
- Drink plenty of fluids and start with soft, easy-to-eat foods.
- Take prescribed or recommended medications exactly as directed.
- Avoid smoking, vaping, nicotine, and tobacco products during recovery.
Some blood-tinged saliva is common after wisdom teeth surgery. If bleeding seems heavy or does not improve as instructed, contact our office.
What Is Normal During Recovery?
Is Swelling Normal After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Yes. Swelling is expected after impacted wisdom teeth removal and may increase during the first few days before it slowly improves. Bruising may also appear around the cheeks or jaw.
Your surgical team may direct you to apply cold packs to the outside of your face during early recovery. Always protect your skin with a cloth or other barrier.
You may also notice:
- Jaw stiffness or trouble opening your mouth wide
- Tenderness when chewing or swallowing
- Temporary soreness in nearby teeth
- Mild bruising
- A temporary sore throat
- Temporary numbness while local anesthesia wears off
Recovery is different for each person. If your symptoms get much worse instead of slowly improving, talk with our office.
Choose Soft Foods and Stay Hydrated
What Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
For the first several days after wisdom teeth removal, eat soft foods that need little chewing and won’t irritate the extraction sites. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Good choices may include:
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Soft pasta
- Smooth soups that are not too hot
- Smoothies eaten with a spoon
Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, spicy, or sharp foods during early healing. Foods such as popcorn, chips, nuts, and seeds can get trapped in the extraction sites.
Keep Your Mouth Clean Without Disturbing the Extraction Sites
How Should I Care for My Mouth After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Keep brushing your teeth, but treat the extraction sites gently. Good oral hygiene supports healing.
Brush carefully and avoid direct contact with the surgical areas. When your surgical team tells you to, begin gentle warm saltwater rinses, especially after eating.
Avoid forceful swishing or spitting, especially during early recovery. If you were prescribed a medicated mouth rinse, use it exactly as directed.
What Is Dry Socket?
Dry socket can happen when the protective blood clot at an extraction site is lost or disturbed before the area has healed. It most often occurs several days after a tooth extraction and can cause significant pain.
Contact El Paso Oral Surgery if you have severe or increasing pain several days after wisdom teeth removal. This is especially important if the pain spreads toward your ear, temple, or jaw.
Do not try to treat a suspected dry socket yourself. Our surgical team can check the area and recommend the right care.
When Can I Return to Normal Activity After Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
Return to normal activity gradually, and only as your surgical team recommends. Give your body time to recover.
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, sports, and other vigorous activities during early recovery. Follow this guidance for as long as your surgical team advises.
If an activity causes throbbing, bleeding, dizziness, or more discomfort, stop and rest.
When Should I Contact El Paso Oral Surgery?
Contact our office any time a symptom concerns you. This includes:
- Heavy or ongoing bleeding
- Pain that gets much worse instead of improving
- Swelling that becomes concerning or suddenly gets worse
- Ongoing fever or signs of infection
- Severe pain that may point to dry socket
- Ongoing nausea or vomiting that keeps you from staying hydrated
- A concerning reaction to medication
- Numbness that lasts longer than you were told to expect
- Any other change in your recovery that concerns you
For difficulty breathing, severe swelling affecting the airway, uncontrolled bleeding, or another medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate emergency care.