What to Expect After Surgery
– Pain at the extraction site is normal and usually relieved by painkillers.
– Swelling may appear on the second or third day — this is a natural response. It typically starts to reduce by day 3–4.
– A temporary fever (up to 38°C), bruising, or limited/painful mouth opening may occur.
– Temporary numbness or sensitivity in the face or extraction area is possible.
– Slight oozing from the wound may occur during the first 24 hours.
When to Contact Your Dentist
– Persistent or increasing pain.
– Bleeding that lasts more than 12 hours or becomes heavy — seek immediate care.
– Swelling that does not reduce within 5 days.
– Any doubts or concerns.
What to Avoid
– No food or drink for 2 hours after extraction.
– Do not touch, rinse, or clean the extraction site.
– Avoid mouthwashes, ointments, compresses, or similar.
– Avoid sauna, hot baths, or physical exertion for 3 days.
– Avoid alcohol, especially with medications.
– Quit or reduce smoking to fewer than 5 cigarettes per day.
What to Do
– Bite on the gauze pad for 15–20 minutes.
– Apply a cold compress on and off for the first 3 hours (5 min on, 5 min off).
– Eat soft, non-irritating, non-hot food for 3 days.
– Maintain oral hygiene. Consider changing your toothbrush. Do not use an irrigator near the wound.
– Take any prescribed medications exactly as directed.
– Follow-up continues until stitches are removed by your oral surgeon during the scheduled visit.
If Bleeding Does Not Stop
– Stay calm. Sit upright or rest with your head elevated.
– Do not spit — this can trigger more bleeding.
– Apply a cold compress and bite firmly on a dry tea bag or cotton pad. For bleeding on the palate, press with a finger. Wait 15 minutes.
– Measure your blood pressure.
– If bleeding continues, call emergency services.
If bleeding, pain or swelling gets worse instead of better, contact us urgently — we see emergency patients during our opening hours.
