Wisdom Teeth Removal Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions
Prepared by Dr. Onur Cavus, BDS, PhD
General Dentist — Certified in IV Sedation
Implant Dentistry Toronto
BEFORE YOUR WISDOM TEETH SURGERY
Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. Please read these instructions carefully before your appointment.
1. Eating and Drinking
• If you are having sedation (IV or oral):
Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for 8 hours before surgery.
You may take prescribed medications with a small sip of water unless advised otherwise.
• Avoid alcohol and recreational substances for 24 hours before surgery.
• If you are not having sedation:
Eat a light meal before your appointment.
Continue taking your regular medications unless instructed otherwise.
2. Transportation (For Sedation Patients)
• A responsible adult must accompany you to the clinic and drive you home if sedation or general anesthesia is used.
• You cannot drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after sedation.
3. Clothing and Accessories
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with short sleeves for blood pressure monitoring.
• Remove contact lenses, jewelry, and nail polish (especially on index fingers).
4. Medications and Health Conditions
• Inform Dr. Cavus of all medications, supplements, and medical conditions.
• If you take blood thinners or medications like Alendronate (Fosamax) or other bisphosphonates, please discuss this in advance.
These drugs may increase the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw, and your treatment plan may require special precautions.
5. Smoking and Vaping
• Avoid smoking or vaping for at least 48 hours before and 7 days after surgery.
Smoking greatly increases the risk of dry socket and delayed healing.
AFTER YOUR WISDOM TEETH SURGERY
A smooth recovery depends on how well you care for your mouth in the days following surgery. Please follow these steps carefully.
1. Bleeding Control
• Bite firmly on the gauze pad for 30–60 minutes after surgery.
• Replace with a new gauze pad every 30 minutes until bleeding slows.
• Minor oozing is normal for 24 hours.
• If bleeding continues, bite on a moist tea bag for 30 minutes — the tannic acid helps clotting.
• Avoid spitting, rinsing, or using a straw for the first 24 hours, as suction can dislodge the clot.
2. Swelling and Bruising
• Apply an ice pack to your cheek — 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off — for the first 24 hours.
• Swelling usually peaks around 48–72 hours and gradually subsides after that.
• Keep your head elevated when resting.
3. Pain Management
• Take prescribed or recommended pain medication as directed.
• Begin taking pain medicine before the local anesthesia wears off for best results.
• Avoid aspirin, unless prescribed, as it can increase bleeding.
4. Diet
• Start with cool, soft foods such as yogurt, smoothies (no straw), scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and soups at room temperature.
• Gradually return to normal foods over 5–7 days.
• Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hot foods that may irritate the area.
5. Oral Hygiene
• Do not rinse or brush near the extraction sites for the first 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water) after meals and before bed.
• Brush your other teeth as usual, but avoid disturbing the surgical area.
6. Physical Activity
• Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and sports for 3–5 days.
• Rest and allow your body to heal.
7. Sutures
• If you have dissolvable sutures, they usually dissolve within 7–10 days.
• If non-resorbable sutures were used, you’ll be scheduled for a follow-up visit for removal.
8. Possible Side Effects
You may experience:
• Mild swelling or stiffness of the jaw
• Slight bruising around the cheeks
• Temporary difficulty opening your mouth fully
These are normal and should improve gradually.
WHEN TO CONTACT OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY
Please call right away if you experience:
• Heavy bleeding that does not stop after 2 hours of pressure
• Severe pain not controlled by medication
• Fever above 38°C
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Persistent swelling after 5 days
• Pus or foul taste/odor
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Onur Cavus, BDS, PhD
General Dentist – Certified in IV and Oral Sedation
📍 Serving Toronto and North York
🌐 www.ImplantDentistryToronto.ca
📧 info@implantdentistrytoronto.ca