Following these instructions very closely will help your comfort, and promote uneventful healing of the area. If any of the instructions are not followed, you might have significantly more discomfort, and the success of the procedure may be affected.

1. After the surgery, avoid driving, operating hazardous devices or any excessive physical activities until you recovered from the anesthetic medication’s effects.

2. In case of pain, take the prescribed medications strictly. Take the painkillers before the anesthesia wears off and continue taking every 3-4 hours to maintain comfort. In case the antibiotics are prescribed, you have to finish the medication.

3. ***In case of swelling after the wisdom tooth

 extraction, apply the cold pack at the site of swelling the first 48 hours in a cycle of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off then apply the warm packs until the swelling disappears. After the first 48 hours, it is advisable to rinse with warm saltwater every 2 hours to promote healing. (1 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water) ****

4. ***In case of bleeding, keep your head elevated with pillows to control bleeding. You will receive supply of gauze pads to place over the bleeding area for at least 2 hours. During biting on the gauze, do not spit saliva but swallow only and do not try to change the gauze by yourself during this first 2 hours as it may be placed at the wrong position. Use the gauze pad until the bleeding stops completely. After 2 hours, if there is still active bleeding, please continue biting on the gauze for 1 hour. Please return to the dentist if you still experience bleeding.

5. **Do not blow your nose or use the straw for 10 days after the surgery. Sneezing should be done with the mouth open *** to reduce the pressure that might transfer to the sinus.

6. After surgery, the wound will be sutured with “Vicryl” which is self-dissolvable stiches. It normally approx. 45-60 days or more, depending the individual’s condition. However, if there is no swelling or pain, and the healing is good, the stitches can be removed after 7-14 days too.

7. Eat soft foods for the first 2 days. Avoid chewing directly over the operated area until the sutures are removed.

8. Do brush your teeth and use the dental floss gently. Do not use the Waterpik around the surgical wound at least 2 weeks after surgery. The patients who receive healing abutment should do the oral hygiene strictly.

9. Avoid touching the surgical area by lifting the lip with your fingers to look at the area and brush your teeth. It is possible to accidentally tear the sutures which open the incision, and delay healing.

10. “Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, smoking, carbonated soda drinks, drinking through a straw and alcohol containing mouthwashes (unless diluted) for the first 24 hours as this may interrupt the clotting process ***

11. Avoid smoking for 48 hours after surgery as it delays healing process and lead to the pain

called a “Dry Socket” ***

12. If you normally wear a removable appliance such as denture which replaces missing teeth, and it rests on the treated area, stop wearing it after surgery as any pressure on the surgical site could delay healing and cause discomfort.