Before your appointment, make sure to:
1. Eat a light meal unless advised to fast.
2.Avoid alcohol or smoking for at least 24 hours before surgery.
3.Inform your dentist about any medications or medical conditions.
4.Arrange for someone to drive you home if youll be receiving sedation or general anesthesia.
        

If your surgery involves local anesthesia only, you can eat a light meal a few hours before.
 However, if you are having sedation or general anesthesia, do not eat or drink anything for at least 6–8 hours before surgery—this includes water
        

After the procedure, you might experience:

Minor bleeding or oozing for several hours.

Mild swelling or discomfort.

Drowsiness if you received sedation.

Your dentist will place a gauze pad over the extraction site to help control bleeding—keep it in place for at least 30–45 minutes.
        

Bite firmly on the gauze for 30–60 minutes.

If bleeding continues, replace it with a fresh piece of gauze and maintain gentle pressure.

Avoid spitting, rinsing, or using straws for 24 hours to prevent dislodging the blood clot.

If bleeding persists or becomes heavy, contact your dentist immediately.
        

Take the prescribed pain medication as directed.

 If no prescription is given, over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help.

Avoid aspirin, as it can thin the blood and increase bleeding.
        

Apply an ice pack to the cheek near the surgical area for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off during the first 24 hours.

After 24 hours, switch to warm compresses to promote healing.

Keep your head elevated when resting to minimize swelling.

        

Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soups for the first 24 hours.

Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods.

Gradually return to your normal diet as comfort allows—typically within 2–3 days.
        

Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours.

After 24 hours, gently rinse with a warm saltwater solution (½ teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of water) 2–3 times daily.

Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the surgical site.

        

Avoid both for at least 48–72 hours after surgery.

Smoking and alcohol can delay healing and increase the risk of dry socket—a painful post-extraction complication.
        

A dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolves prematurely, exposing the bone.

To prevent it:

Avoid smoking, spitting, and drinking through straws.

Follow your dentist’s post-op care instructions carefully.

Stick to soft foods and avoid touching the area.

        

Most patients recover within 7–10 days, though more complex surgeries (like wisdom teeth removal) may take up to 2 weeks.

Swelling typically peaks at 48 hours and gradually subsides thereafter
        

Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least 48–72 hours after surgery.

Physical exertion can increase blood pressure and cause renewed bleeding.
        

If your stitches are dissolvable, they may naturally come out within a few days—that’s normal.

If they come out too early and you notice bleeding or an open wound, contact your dentist.
        

Contact your dentist if you experience:

Increasing pain after 3 days

Persistent swelling, redness, or pus discharge

Fever or chills

A foul taste or odor in your mouth

        

Your dentist will usually schedule a follow-up visit within 7–10 days to check healing and remove stitches (if non-dissolvable).

Attend this appointment even if you feel fine—it helps prevent complications.

        

Yes, but gently. Avoid the surgical site for the first 24 hours. Resume normal brushing after 2–3 days, being careful around the healing area.

        

Temporary numbness is common, especially after wisdom tooth extractions.

If numbness lasts longer than 24 hours, contact your oral surgeon for evaluation.