NRV Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, LTD
Blacksburg # (540) 951-8777
Fairlawn # (540) 633-5700
Post Operative Instructions after Wisdom Teeth Extraction
1. If you had IV sedation for your procedure: Upon discharge from our office go home and rest. Lie on your
right side with your head elevated until all the effects of the anesthetic disappear. An adult MUST stay with
you for 12-24 hours after your surgery. You may feel sleepy, light headed, dizzy or nauseated, have short term
memory loss, or faint from the sedation. No strenuous activity for at least 3 days. You must not operate any
mechanical equipment or a motor vehicle for at least 24 hours (longer if you feel any residual effect from the
anesthetic or are taking the prescription pain medication). Do not go up or down stairs by yourself.
2. Bleeding: Change the gauze every 1 hour for 2-4 hours. Stack 4-6 pieces of gauze, fold into a square, moisten
slightly then place the gauze pack all the way to the back of the mouth, between the cheek and gums (that’s
where the incision is), and close your mouth. DO NOT place the gauze packs between the teeth or in the
middle of the mouth. If the bleeding becomes heavy, boil a tea bag, cool it, and then place as directed for gauze
packs and leave in place for 1 hour.
3. DO NOT smoke, spit, suck on straws, use commercial mouthwashes, drink alcoholic or any carbonated
beverage/soft drinks. No vigorous rinsing, probing at the surgical sites with your tongue, toothpicks,
waterpik, fingers etc. Following these guidelines for 1 week may help you prevent dry sockets.
4. You may eat and drink as soon as you leave the office. Soft, cold or cool drinks and foods such as Jell-O, ice
cream, puddings, Carnation Instant Breakfast, iced tea, fruit juices, milkshakes (eat with a spoon) or a Frosty are
best until the numbness wears off. If you are a diabetic, maintain your normal diet as much as possible following
your physician’s instructions regarding your insulin schedule. Advance your diet as tolerated staying away from
peanuts, popcorn, potato chips, anything that is pasty, sharp or sticky.
5. Your throat, chin, cheeks, lips and tongue may be numb for up to 8 hours. Once you have had at least 1 cup of
liquid and/or food you may take an NSAID product (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Naproxen, Aleve) as directed. This may
lessen your discomfort as the numbness wears off and decrease any tenderness and/or stiffness in your facial
muscles. The “SockIt” gel should be used before taking the narcotic pain medication and should never be used on
the upper sockets.
DO NOT take extra Tylenol with the Hydrocodone prescription because it already has Tylenol with it.
6. Apply ice packs, 20 minutes to one cheek then switch cheeks and continue this for 48 hours after surgery. Then
may use ice packs and/or alternate with warm, moist compresses. Whatever makes you feel better.
7. 24 hours after your surgery start holding warm salt water (1/4 tsp salt to 1/2 cup warm water) in your mouth,
swishing gently after each meal and before bed. You may run a low-grade fever between the 1st and 3rd day after
surgery. If your temperature goes to 101 please call our office.
8. Brush your teeth normally! Just be careful at the surgical sites. Do not spit.
9. Narcotics will not be given after office hours.
10. For 1 week elevate your head more than usual at bedtime because like a sprained ankle there may not be
much swelling for 3 to 4 days.
11. Please be assured that our interest in your case does not end with the completion of surgery. If you have an
emergency after hours, please go to the nearest emergency room or call our office for further automated
instructions.