Caring for your mouth after the removal of wisdom teeth

Some post-operative care will be required following the extraction of wisdom teeth. The care will reduce the risk of infection or other complications following the surgical procedure.

After the procedure, a gauze pad will be placed over the extraction site and should not be removed for at least 45 minutes. Do not drink from a straw or rinse the mouth. Either may dislodge the blood clot that has formed over the extraction site or disrupt the sutures used to close the wound.

Limit activities for 24 hours. You can resume daily routines the next day. Take pain medication as prescribed to reduce discomfort after the anesthesia wears off.