Here are general after-care instructions following wisdom tooth extraction. These are common guidelines; always follow your dentist/oral surgeon’s specific instructions if they differ.
First 24 Hours
Bite on gauze for 30–60 minutes to control bleeding. Replace if needed.
Rest with your head slightly elevated.
Do not rinse, spit, or use a straw — this can dislodge the blood clot.
No smoking or vaping (very important for healing).
Ice packs on the outside of your cheek: 15–20 minutes on, 15–20 minutes off.
Pain & Swelling
Take prescribed or recommended pain medication as directed.
Swelling usually peaks at 2–3 days and then improves.
Mild bruising and stiffness are normal.
Eating & Drinking
Stick to soft, cool foods:
Yogurt, smoothies (no straw), mashed potatoes, applesauce, soup (lukewarm)
Avoid:
Hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods
Seeds, nuts, popcorn, chips
Drink plenty of fluids (sip gently).
Oral Hygiene
Do not brush the extraction area for 24 hours
After 24 hours:
Gently brush other teeth
Rinse 2–3 times daily with warm salt water
(½ teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water)
Do not aggressively rinse.
What’s Normal
Mild bleeding or oozing
Swelling and soreness
Limited mouth opening
Slight bad taste for a few days
Call Your Dentist/Surgeon If You Have:
Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
Severe pain after 3–4 days (possible dry socket)
Fever or chills
Pus, worsening swelling, or bad odor
Numbness that doesn’t improve
Healing Timeline (Approximate)
1–3 days: swelling & soreness
1 week: stitches (if any) may dissolve or be removed
2 weeks: gums mostly healed
Several weeks: full bone healing
