When to do salt water rinse after wisdom tooth extraction

The following will cover important information regarding proper post-surgical care for wisdom teeth extraction. If you have been scheduled to have your wisdom teeth removed, it will be important to follow these instructions exactly as we present them.

Discomfort after oral surgery is normal. To best manage your discomfort, please take the prescribed pain medications on schedule per the directions provided. Staying on top of a regular schedule will best minimize discomfort after oral surgery. If you are still experiencing significant discomfort despite the medications, please contact our office.

Gauze pad(s) should be placed directly over the extraction site(s) and held in place with firm biting pressure; proper placement will help you not swallow blood, which can make you nauseated. Replace the gauze pad(s) every 30–45 minutes. When the gauze pads have little or no blood on them, they are no longer necessary. The amount of bleeding will vary from person to person. Most of your bleeding will slow within 4–6 hours, but a small amount of bleeding is common for up to 24 hours.

Do not rinse on the day of surgery; it may prolong your bleeding. Begin gentle saltwater rinses the day after surgery and continue for 1 week. Rinse with warm saltwater 2–3 times each day and gently spit. To make the saltwater solution, dissolve a 1 teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm tap water. If prescribed Peridex®, please use 48 hours after surgery by gently rinsing in the morning and at night every day for 1 week. Please follow the instructions on the label.

If you have been given an irrigating syringe, start irrigation on the fifth day following surgery. Fill the syringe with warm salt water, and gently place the tip of the syringe into the extraction site to clean. Do this 3 times a day after meals until surgery sites are fully closed, which may take up to 4-6 weeks.

Swelling is normal after surgery and is a major cause of post-extraction discomfort. Swelling typically peaks by the third day and then starts to resolve; it can be reduced by the use of an ice pack. Apply the ice pack to one side of your face for 20 minutes; transfer it to the opposite side for another 20 minutes. Continue icing the face for the first 24-36 hours. Do not freeze the skin, do not sleep with the ice packs on overnight. Ice packs are useful for the first 24 hours only. Also, keep your head elevated on 2 pillows for 3–4 days. These measures will not eliminate swelling, but they will help to reduce its severity.

For the first 24 hours start with clear liquids, such as apple juice, tea, or broth. Gradually ramp up your diet as tolerated. Always cool down any hot foods or liquids during the first 24 hours. You should eat only soft foods for the first week (for example, soups, eggs, mashed potatoes, and meatloaf). If you were sedated for surgery, do not eat fatty, creamy, or oily foods; these foods may cause nausea. To help prevent dry socket, do not use a straw for the first 3 days after surgery.

Begin brushing your teeth the day after surgery. It is important to brush all of your teeth, even if the teeth and gums are sensitive. Bacterial plaque and food accumulation near the extraction site(s) will delay healing.

Do not smoke for at least 1 week. Smoking will increase your bleeding; the nicotine and tar in tobacco impair healing and may cause a dry socket.

Unless told otherwise, do not engage in vigorous physical activity for 3 days following your surgery. Physical activity increases your blood pressure, which will cause an increase in your swelling, pain, and bleeding. You may gradually increase your activity, such as jogging or tennis, 5–7 days after your surgery.

It is our desire that your recovery is as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call our office.

Precautions to be taken after wisdom tooth removal

After a wisdom teeth removal procedure, unnecessary pain and complications of infection and swelling can be minimized if the instructions are followed carefully.

Immediately Following Surgery

1. Eat COLD, SOFT FOOD as soon as possible and take medications as instructed.

2. Change your GAUZE every 30-60 minutes until there is no more bleeding and then remove.

3. REST, APPLY ICE and ELEVATE your head with pillows

4. Evaluate need for PAIN MEDICINE in 2 to 3 hours. Take medications as prescribed with food.

GAUZE PACKS

Remove gauze packs from your mouth when you eat. Continue to replace them every 30-60 minutes until bleeding has stopped. Then remove gauze.

ORAL HYGIENE

Continue to floss your teeth and brush thouroughly at least twice a day with a soft bristled brush so that you do not injure the tissues in your mouth. Following extraction, clean the teeth next to the healing tooth socket very gently for two days, carefully avoiding the surgical area.

MOUTHWASH AND RINSING

You may use rinse your mouth gently with water or mouth rinse. After the first 24 hours, frequent rinsing with a warm dilute salt solution will aid in your healing.

ICE

You may use an ice bag over the operated area for the first 24-48 hours following surgery. Apply to the affected area for 20 minutes and remove for 20 minutes; repeat as necessary. Elavate your head with 2-3 pilllows. This will help minimize swelling, bleeding and disccomfort.

PAIN

Ibuprofen (includes Motrin and Advil) may be recommended by your doctor to help control your discomfort. A stronger pain medication may also be prescribed for severe discomfort. If the pain medication makes you feel nauseated,discontiue and substitute with Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Discomfort usually subsides three to five days following surgery.

BLEEDING

Some bleeding following extraction of teeth is normal. Tooth sockets may continue to ooze a little during the night and even through the next day. If bleeding seems excessive,rinse the mouth thouroughly with cold water, removing any superficial masses of clottted blood. Then place a tightly folded piece of clean gauze over the bleeding area using enough gauze to apply firm pressure to the tissues when the jaw is closed. Maintain pressure with the gauze pack for 30-60 minutes,keeping head elevated. Should this not control bleeding, wrap a moist tea bag in gauze, place this over the socket and bite firmly.

SUTURES (STITCHES)

If sutures are present, most of them dissolve. Any remaining sutrues will be removed at the postoperative appointment.

SWELLING

Swelling is common after oral surgery. It will usually peak at approximately 48-72 hours and resolve 7- 10 days following surgery. Should the swelling persist for an exteded time, please call our office.

NUMBNESS

Numbness of the facial region following surgery is normal. Take care not to chew or bite your lips

ANTIBIOTICS

If you have been placed on antibiotics, take them as directed with food.

******Warning for Women****** While taking antibiotics, your birth control pills may become ineffective. It is recommended that you use an assitonal form of birth control for the remainder of your current cycle.

REST AND NOURISHMENT

Frequent small meals are recommended: cold, soft foods (yogurt, ice cream, Ensure, applesauce, milshakes, smoothies etc.) the first day of your surgery, progressing to warm, soft foods (pasta,soup, oatmeal,scrambled eggs, etc.) the following days. Hydration is essential with non acidic juices and water.

NAUSEA

Nausea can occur after surgery. Make sure to take medications with food.

DISCOLORATION

Discloration of the skin frequently seen in patients who “bruise” easily. It is due to bleeding from the operative site into the tissues. This often present two to three days after surgery and may take five or more days to fade.

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