Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery and to prevent complications after wisdom teeth extraction. Some bleeding, swelling, and discomfort are normal, but following these guidelines will help minimize pain and support healing.
📞 If you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection, call Manhattan Dental Spa at 212-683-2530.
🦷 Managing Bleeding & Immediate Aftercare
✔ Bite down firmly on the provided gauze for at least 30-45 minutes to control bleeding.
✔ Replace the gauze as needed until bleeding slows.
✔ Some mild oozing is normal for the first 24 hours—if bleeding continues after several hours, call us immediately.
🚫 Avoid disturbing the blood clot – Do NOT:
❌ Rinse, spit, or use a straw for 24-48 hours
❌ Smoke or use tobacco for at least 72 hours
❌ Drink from bottles with suction pressure
💡 Why? These actions can dislodge the clot and lead to dry socket, which causes severe pain and delayed healing.
❄️ Managing Swelling & Discomfort
✔ Swelling & stiffness are normal, peaking 2-3 days after surgery.
✔ Use a cold compress (ice pack wrapped in a cloth) for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off during the first 36 hours.
✔ After 36 hours, switch to moist heat to reduce swelling.
✔ Pain Management
✔ Take prescribed pain medications as directed.
✔ If prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as instructed to prevent infection.
✔ Avoid alcohol if taking pain medications—this can be dangerous.
🍽️ Eating & Drinking Guidelines
✔ Stick to soft foods & liquids for the first few days—opt for soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, applesauce, and scrambled eggs.
✔ Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or hot foods that could irritate the extraction site.
✔ Stay hydrated, but do NOT use a straw—sipping through a straw can dislodge the clot and cause dry socket.
🪥 Oral Hygiene & Wound Care
✔ Do NOT brush or rinse your mouth on the day of surgery.
✔ The day after surgery: Begin gentle warm salt water rinses (½ teaspoon of salt + 8 oz warm water) 3 times daily for 7-10 days—this keeps the site clean and dissolves sutures.
✔ Resume gentle brushing after 24 hours, but avoid the surgical sites.
✔ Avoid using an irrigating syringe for the first 5 days—after that, flush the socket gently with warm salt water to remove debris.
🏃 Activity Restrictions
✔ Rest for the first 2-3 days—avoid heavy lifting, intense workouts, or bending over, as these activities can increase bleeding.
✔ Resume normal activities as tolerated, but take it easy during the first few days.
🚨 Dry Socket: What to Watch For
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot is dislodged too soon, exposing the bone and nerves.
Symptoms of Dry Socket:
❌ Throbbing pain at the extraction site 3-4 days after surgery
❌ Pain radiating to the ear, jaw, or adjacent teeth
❌ Pain that does NOT improve with medication
💡 If you suspect a dry socket, call us immediately for treatment.
🚨 When to Call Us
📞 Call Manhattan Dental Spa at 212-683-2530 if you experience:
❌ Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop with gauze pressure
❌ Severe or worsening pain after a few days
❌ Signs of infection (fever, pus, foul taste, persistent swelling)
❌ Numbness lasting beyond a few days
🚨 For serious or life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or visit the nearest ER.
By following these instructions, you’ll support healing, prevent complications, and recover comfortably after wisdom teeth removal. For any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out! 😊