Patient Aftercare Instructions (Extraction/Wisdom Teeth)

Patient: [patient name]

Date of Procedure: [date]

Provider: [clinician or practice name]

What Was Done

[Plain-language summary of teeth removed, closure method, and any special precautions] (Include only if procedural details are available. Use patient-friendly terms such as "upper left wisdom tooth" rather than tooth numbers alone. Note whether stitches dissolve on their own or need removal. If details are unavailable, replace this section with: "Follow any special instructions your surgeon gave you.")

First 24 Hours

1. Keep the gauze in place with firm biting pressure as instructed. It's normal to see light oozing or pink-tinged saliva.
2. If bleeding continues, place fresh gauze or a moistened tea bag directly over the site and bite with steady pressure for 20–30 minutes. Repeat as needed. Call us if it does not slow after repeated attempts.
3. Rest and keep your head elevated on pillows. Avoid lying flat for long periods today.
4. Do not rinse vigorously, spit forcefully, or use straws today. Let saliva gently drain from your mouth if needed.
5. No smoking, vaping, or any tobacco products.
6. No strenuous activity or heavy lifting.
7. Start with soft, cool foods and drink plenty of fluids as soon as you're ready. Avoid very hot foods and drinks today.
8. [Sedation instructions if applicable] (Include only if IV sedation, general anesthesia, or oral sedation was used: "Do not drive, operate machinery, make important decisions, or drink alcohol for 24 hours. An adult should stay with you today.")

Pain Management

Start your pain medication before the numbness fully wears off to get ahead of discomfort.

[Medication regimen with names, doses, frequencies, and daily maximums] (Use the exact regimen provided by the clinician. Specify whether to alternate or combine medications, and for how many days.)

[NSAID contraindication note if applicable] (Include only if NSAIDs are contraindicated: "NSAIDs are not recommended for you. Follow the alternative plan provided by your clinician exactly as written.")

[Opioid safety instructions if applicable] (Include only if an opioid was prescribed: "Opioid safety: This medicine may cause drowsiness—do not drive or operate machinery, and avoid alcohol. Store it securely away from others, and dispose of any unused tablets safely when you no longer need them.")

If you're unsure what you've already taken, do not double up—call us instead.

Recovery: Days 2 and Beyond

Starting tomorrow, gently rinse after meals and at bedtime with warm salt water ([salt water recipe, e.g., ½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz warm water]), letting the water fall from your mouth without forceful spitting. Continue brushing your teeth gently; avoid brushing directly over the surgical sites until they are less tender.

Advance your diet as you feel comfortable: move from soft foods to your normal foods over several days. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sharp foods that could poke the area.

Resume normal activities gradually. Avoid heavy exercise or lifting for [timeframe per surgeon] to reduce bleeding and swelling.

Swelling and jaw stiffness usually peak around days 2–3 and then improve. Use ice packs during the first day or two (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off while awake). After that, warm compresses can help stiffness.

[Syringe irrigation instructions if applicable] (Include only if a syringe was provided: "Begin using the syringe on day [start day], after meals and before bed: fill with warm salt water and gently flush the extraction sites until the water runs clear. Continue daily until food no longer collects in the area.")

Warning Signs

Call our office promptly if you experience:

• Bleeding that does not slow despite firm pressure for 20–30 minutes
• Pain that is getting worse after the first few days (not better), especially with bad taste or odor
• Swelling that continues to worsen after day 3
• Fever or feeling increasingly unwell
• Concerns about a medication reaction

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Uncontrolled bleeding with lightheadedness or weakness
• Chest pain or fainting

About dry socket: Dry socket is when the healing blood clot is lost from the extraction site, causing significant pain usually starting 2–4 days after surgery. If you develop severe, worsening pain with a bad taste or odor, call us—this is treatable but needs professional care.

Follow-Up

[Follow-up plan] (If an appointment is scheduled, include the date and time. If stitches need removal, state when. If no routine visit is needed, write: "Call if you have concerns or your recovery isn't progressing as expected.")