1. Immediate Post-Treatment Instructions
What to Expect:
- Mild to moderate swelling, jaw stiffness, and discomfort for several days
- Minor bleeding or pink-tinged saliva for the first 24 hours
- Facial bruising may appear around day 2–3
Do’s and Don’ts for the First 24–48 Hours:
- Do keep your head elevated when resting or sleeping
- Do bite on gauze pads (change every 30–45 minutes) to control bleeding
- Do apply ice packs to reduce swelling (20 min on/20 min off)
- Don’t spit, rinse forcefully, or use straws
- Don’t smoke, vape, or consume alcohol
- Don’t eat hard, crunchy, or spicy foods
Pain Management:
- Take prescribed or recommended pain relievers as directed
- Use ice in the first 24–48 hours, then switch to moist heat if needed
Dietary Guidelines:
- Eat soft, cool foods: yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies (no straw), scrambled eggs
- Stay hydrated, sipping water from a glass
2. Ongoing Care & Maintenance
Oral Hygiene:
- Gently rinse with salt water (1/2 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water) starting 24 hours after surgery, 3–4 times daily
- Brush the other teeth normally, avoiding surgical sites for 2–3 days
- Do not use mouthwash with alcohol during the first week
Dry Socket Prevention:
- Avoid suction and dislodging the clot
- Do not smoke or use straws for at least 7 days
Activity:
- Rest during the first 2–3 days
- Avoid strenuous activity for 5–7 days
3. Recognizing Complications & When to Contact Oceanic Dental
Call us if you notice:
- Persistent bleeding beyond 4–6 hours
- Severe pain 3–5 days after surgery (may indicate dry socket)
- Fever, foul taste, or swelling that worsens after day 3
- Numbness or tingling that doesn’t go away
4. Recovery Tips & Best Practices
Tips for a Smooth Recovery:
- Keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses early
- Avoid disturbing the area with your tongue or fingers
- Rinse after meals to keep the site clean
- Stick to soft, nourishing meals and stay hydrated
Helpful Reminder:"Rest, rinse, and relax – your body knows how to heal."
5. Follow-Up & Contact Information
We typically schedule a follow-up within 1–2 weeks to monitor healing and remove sutures if necessary.
Need help or have questions?
- Huntington Beach: (714) 841-0203
- Fountain Valley: (714) 378-0085
Thank you for allowing us to care for you. We’re here every step of the way to make your recovery as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Oceanic Dental – Trusted oral surgery care for wisdom teeth removal in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, and surrounding Orange County areas.
