The first day of recovery after wisdom teeth removal requires specific care to ensure a comfortable and complication-free healing process. This guide provides clear, actionable instructions focused entirely on the initial 24 hours after surgery. Following these protocols helps establish the foundation for successful recovery.
Immediate Post-Operative Management
The immediate priority upon leaving the surgery center is managing initial bleeding with gauze. Maintain firm, consistent biting pressure on the pads placed over the extraction sites. This pressure encourages the formation of a stable blood clot, which seals the wound. Change gauze pads every 30 to 45 minutes, replacing them only when they become saturated.
Once home, immediate rest is necessary as the effects of anesthesia wear off. Avoid any strenuous activity or physical exertion for the remainder of the day. The body needs to conserve energy to focus on the initial stages of wound healing. Residual numbness in the lips, cheeks, and tongue may persist for several hours, requiring careful attention when attempting to speak or chew.
Maintaining an elevated head position is an effective strategy for the first 24 hours. Use two or three pillows to keep your head above your heart while resting or sleeping. This vertical positioning helps minimize blood flow to the surgical sites, which reduces post-operative swelling and bleeding. This simple action directly supports the stabilization of the initial blood clot.
Controlling Pain and Swelling
Effective pain management begins before the local anesthetic completely wears off, typically within three to five hours. Take the prescribed or recommended pain medication proactively to maintain a consistent level of comfort. Do not wait for the pain to become severe before taking the next dose. Following the dosing schedule provided by your surgeon minimizes discomfort throughout the first day.
Addressing post-operative swelling requires immediate and consistent application of cold therapy. The strict protocol involves placing ice packs or cold compresses on the cheeks adjacent to the surgical sites for cycles of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. This vasoconstrictive action reduces blood flow and limits the accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues surrounding the jaw. Starting this icing regimen as soon as possible after arriving home provides the greatest benefit in limiting the extent of the swelling.
Swelling does not usually reach its maximum until 48 to 72 hours following the surgery. The preventative measures taken on the first day are designed to lessen the severity of the peak swelling expected on day two or three. Consistent cold application helps mitigate the overall swelling curve.
Eating and Drinking Safely
Nutritional intake on the first day should be limited exclusively to soft, non-chewable foods that require minimal jaw movement. Acceptable options include items like yogurt, smooth applesauce, mashed potatoes, and lukewarm broth or soup. The mechanical forces of chewing can disrupt the forming blood clot, which is why a liquid or pureed diet is temporarily necessary. High-nutrient soft foods also provide the energy required for the body’s healing processes.
The temperature of any food or liquid consumed must also be carefully managed to avoid complications. Hot beverages or very warm soups should be strictly avoided as the heat can dissolve or dislodge the delicate blood clot. Lukewarm or cool temperatures are preferred to help maintain the stability of the surgical site.
Do not use straws during the first 24 hours. The suction created when drawing liquid through a straw generates negative pressure in the mouth. This pressure can easily pull the protective blood clot out of the socket, leading to a painful condition known as alveolar osteitis, or dry socket. Similarly, avoid forceful spitting or rinsing for the same mechanical reason.
Staying well-hydrated is necessary for recovery and preventing dehydration due to limited food intake. Consuming plenty of water or clear liquids throughout the day helps the body flush out toxins and aids in the overall healing process. Just remember to sip gently directly from a cup or glass.
Oral Care and When to Call the Dentist
Maintaining a clean mouth is important, but hygiene on the first day must be extremely gentle to protect the surgical sites. You may carefully brush your teeth, but you must completely avoid the extraction areas and the surrounding gums. Use only a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste, focusing on the teeth not involved in the surgery.
Aggressive rinsing, swishing, or spitting is strictly forbidden for the entire first day, as these actions risk dislodging the protective blood clot. Instead of spitting, allow any accumulated saliva or fluid to gently drool into a sink or basin. Your surgeon will typically provide instructions to begin gentle saltwater rinses starting on the second day.
A small amount of oozing or intermittent bleeding is normal. Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience profuse, bright red bleeding that cannot be controlled with firm, continuous gauze pressure after an hour. Other signs requiring intervention include a persistent fever above 101°F or severe, unrelenting pain not relieved by the prescribed pain medication regimen.