After Wisdom Tooth Removal

The removal of impacted wisdom teeth and the surgical extraction of teeth are quite different from the extraction of erupted teeth. The following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal:

  • The surgical area will swell.
  • Swelling peaks on the 2nd or 3rd post -operative day.
  • Stiffness of muscles (trismus) causes difficulty in opening your mouth for a period of days.
  • You may have a slight earache.
  • A sore throat may develop.
  • Your other teeth may ache temporarily.
  • If the corners of the mouth are stretched out they may dry and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with cream or ointment.
  • There will be a space where the tooth was removed. After 24 hours this area should be rinsed following meals with warm salt water until it is healed. This cavity will gradually fill in with new tissue.
  • There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24 to 48 hours. If temperature continues, notify us.
  • It is not unusual to develop bruising in the area of an extraction.
  • To avoid complications, do not smoke for 7 days following the procedure.
  • Please take all prescriptions as directed.

Women please note: Some antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control pills. Please check with your pharmacist.