dr leo ham

Patient information

Post-surgery Instructions

After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Instructions for Home Care Following Wisdom Teeth Extraction

The procedure of removing impacted wisdom teeth is a significant surgical process. Proper post-operative care is crucial to minimize unnecessary pain and complications such as infection and swelling.

Immediately After Surgery

  1. – Keep the gauze pad over the surgical area for thirty minutes, then remove and discard it.
  2. – Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the wound area to prevent dislodging the blood clot, which may lead to bleeding.
  3. – Take prescribed pain medication at the onset of discomfort, usually when the local anaesthetic wears off.
  4. – Rest on the day of surgery and gradually resume normal activities when comfortable.
  5. – Apply ice packs to the sides of the face to reduce swelling.

Bleeding

  1. – Expect some bleeding, which can be controlled by gently rinsing the mouth or wiping away old clots before applying pressure with a gauze pad.
  2. – If bleeding persists, bite on a moistened black tea bag to help form a clot.
  3. – Avoid excitement, maintain an upright position, and refrain from exercise to minimize further bleeding.

Swelling

  1. – Swelling is a normal reaction to surgery and may peak 2-3 days afterward.
  2. – Apply ice packs immediately to reduce swelling, switching to moist heat after 36 hours for continued relief.

Pain

  1. – Take Tylenol or Ibuprofen for moderate pain, following dosage instructions. Use prescribed medication for severe pain.
  2. – Avoid driving, operating machinery, or consuming alcohol while taking pain medication.

Diet

  1. – Initially, consume only liquids, avoiding straws to prevent dislodging the blood clot.
  2. – Progress to soft foods, chewing away from the surgical sites.
  3. – Maintain a high-calorie, high-protein diet and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Oral Care

  1. – Do not rinse until the day after surgery, then rinse with saltwater multiple times a day.
  2. – Keep the mouth clean to aid healing.

Other Considerations

  1. – Discoloration, numbness, sore throat, and stiffness are normal post-operative occurrences.
  2. – If sutures become dislodged, it’s not a cause for alarm.
  3. – Monitor for signs of dry socket, such as worsening pain, and contact the office if necessary.
  4. – Avoid vigorous exercise for a week and adjust nourishment intake accordingly.

Overall, follow these instructions diligently for optimal healing and recovery. If any concerns arise, contact the office for guidance.

Office Locations

Ballina

Ballina Dental Group
(Formerly Coolangatta Dental Group)
Wednesdays and Select Fridays
8:30AM – 5:00PM
02 6686 4503

Goonellabah

Goonellabah Dental Practice
Thursdays
8:30AM – 5:00PM
02 6624 1408

Lismore Central

Helms & White Dental
Fridays
9:00AM – 5:00PM
02 6621 9933

Casino

Casino Dental
By Appointment
Please give our friendly staff a call to arrange an appointment.
02 6662 1722

Southport

Griffith University Dental Clinic
(Southport)
Tuesdays
By Referral Only – no direct bookings

Patient Information

Wisdom Teeth

Dental Implants

About

Contact us
  • © Dr Leo Ham 2024. All rights reserved
Scroll to Top