Follow these instructions after wisdom tooth removal. If your surgeon gave you different guidance, follow that first.

Planning Ahead

1. Clear your schedule for 2–3 days after surgery to allow time to rest and recover.

2. Prepare soft foods: soup, pancakes, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, pasta, ice cream, yogurt, smoothies, and milkshakes.

3. Call your pharmacy to confirm your prescriptions are ready.

4. Do not eat or drink for 8 hours before your scheduled surgery time.

Going Home

• Bite firmly on the gauze in your mouth to help stop the bleeding.

• Eat or drink as soon as you are able — good nutrition is important for healing.

• Remove the gauze after 30 minutes of firm pressure (no talking) and replace with more gauze if needed.

At Home

• Minimize discomfort by taking ibuprofen with each meal.

• Brush your teeth normally but be gentle toward the back of the mouth.

• Irrigate the lower tooth sockets after every meal, or at least twice a day, starting within 72 hours — ideally the day after surgery. If you are 25 or older, begin irrigating 1 week after surgery.

• Apply ice packs 20 minutes on / 20 minutes off and keep your head elevated the first night.

Rinsing the Lower Wisdom Tooth Sockets

Things You Will Need

• Irrigating syringe (provided by our office)

• Water or mouth rinse (either is fine)

• A mirror and sink

Step by Step

1. Draw irrigating liquid into the syringe until it is about half full.

2. Open your mouth as widely as you can.

3. Pull your cheek to the side with your index finger. Insert the tip of the syringe into the socket behind your last molar until almost half the tip is under the gum tissue.

4. Gently rinse the socket in slow, pumping motions.

5. Repeat 2–3 times, then do the same on the other side.

6. Watch the irrigation video below for a visual demonstration of this technique.

Syringe Cleaning

Pull the syringe apart, rinse it, and set it out to air dry after each use. The syringe is not dishwasher safe.

Tips

The first few times you irrigate, the sites may be tender for 15–30 minutes — this is normal and will improve. There may be a slight oozing of blood — also normal. If you skip irrigating for several days, it will be significantly more painful when you resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m still numb — is that normal?

Numbness is expected to continue through the evening of surgery. If you still feel numb in your lips or tongue the day after surgery, please let us know. It is not an emergency, but we will monitor the improvement over the following days and weeks.

Why is my face swollen?

Facial swelling and bruising are common. Apply ice 20 minutes on / 20 minutes off and keep your head elevated for the first few nights to help reduce swelling.

Do I have stitches? When will they come out?

If you have stitches, they will fall out on their own. You do not need to come in to have them removed, unless they are bothersome and still present after about 3 days.

I’m still bleeding after surgery — what do I do?

Some bleeding for the first day or two is normal. If it is not slowing down, insert the provided gauze where the wisdom teeth were and bite firmly for 30 minutes with no talking. Like a cut on your finger, releasing pressure too soon restarts the bleeding — hold steady pressure and it will slow.

Should I use water or the mouth rinse for irrigation?

Either is completely fine. The main goal is to flush out food debris with a flushing action.

I can’t see where to put the syringe tip.

The hole is usually small and located directly behind your furthest back bottom teeth. If you are still having difficulty, call our office and we can demonstrate the technique for you.

It’s too dark back there — I can’t see in the mirror.

Ask for help! A flashlight or hiking headlight makes visualization much easier. Ask a family member to assist.

Do I need to irrigate the top sockets?

Usually, no. Top sockets do not collect much food debris and any debris typically drains naturally by gravity.

Do I really have to irrigate?

Yes. Otherwise, food debris will remain in the lower sockets and delay healing significantly.

Can I get help after hours?

Yes — call us at 541-382-7981 anytime. When calling after hours, listen to the complete message to connect directly with your surgeon. You may also send a text with your concern.