Having your wisdom teeth removed is a big step toward a healthier smile, but what you do after surgery matters just as much as the procedure itself. Whether you opted for local anesthetic or relaxed under our sedation dentistry in Medina, OH, service, following the right after-care routine speeds healing and helps you avoid painful complications. Below are three key dos and don’ts to guide your recovery.
3 Essential Dos
1. Bite Gently on Gauze and Change It Often
Apply steady, gentle pressure to the extraction sites for 30–45 minutes, replacing the gauze as needed until the bleeding slows. This allows a stable blood clot to form, which is the first step in proper healing.
2. Ice in 15-Minute Intervals
Applying a cold pack to the outside of your jaw (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) for the first 24 hours can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Continue as tolerated for best results.
3. Stay Hydrated with Soft, Lukewarm Foods
Sip water frequently and choose smoothies, yogurt, or mashed potatoes for the first couple of days. Adequate fluids and nutrition support faster tissue repair.
3 Critical Don’ts
1. Don’t Use Straws or Spit Forcefully
Suction and forceful spitting can dislodge the protective clot, leading to a painful condition known as “dry socket.” Take small sips directly from a cup instead.
2. Skip Smoking and Alcohol
Both can slow your healing, increase your risk of infection, and may interact poorly with prescribed medications. Give yourself at least 72 hours (ideally a full week) before resuming.
3. Avoid Vigorous Rinsing or Brushing Near the Site
Gentle salt-water rinses begin 24 hours after surgery, but harsh swishing or brushing right over the sockets can reopen wounds. Brush nearby teeth carefully and let water flow gently, not forcefully, across the area.
Why Choose Us at Frontier Dental?
Frontier Dental performs dental extractions in Medina, OH, that residents trust, pairing state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care. Dr. Horan is a highly experienced oral surgeon and board-certified anesthesiologist, ensuring the highest level of safety for every level of sedation. From simple gauze changes to follow-up checks, our team is here to guide you through a smooth recovery.
Call Our Medina Dentists Today
Questions about your post-op routine? Call Frontier Dental today or book online for personalized advice. You’ll be smiling and chewing comfortably again in no time!