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Prolonged bleeding. The bleeding stops soon after surgery, but some blood might seep out up to 48 hours after the procedure. The bleeding can be controlled by placing cotton gauze in the surgical area and by closing the mouth to create gentle pressure. This may be done as often as neccessary until bleeding stops. A wet tea bag can also replace the cotton since the tannic acid that it contains helps the formation of blood clots. After extractions spitting and rinsing should be avoided for the first 24 hours to not dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket.

Pain. There can be pain for a few days; therefore pain killers that the oral surgeon prescribes or recommends should be taken.

Swelling. In some instances there could be swelling of the face and even change of color of the skin. Swelling in the first 48-72 hours is expected and normal. The swelling should begin to reduce after this time. To help reduce the swelling, a bag of ice should be placed on the face for ten minutes, every half hour in the first 24 hours.

Foods. Soft, lukewarm foods should be eaten during the first 24 hours. Hot drinks and alcoholic drinks should be avoided.

Hygiene. Brushing the teeth should be continued but the surgical site should be avoided.

Swelling. After applying the ice for the first 24 hours, heat may be applied by using a hot and wet towel. The maximum swelling is reached after two to three days and decreases slowly after.

Water and salt. Rinsing with warm water and salt should be started 24 hours after the procedure. Rinsing is recommended after each meal and before bedtime.

Stitches.  An appointment is booked a week following surgery to verify the recovery and to remove the stitches. However, often times the stitches are absorbable, they can fall out on their own after a few days to a few weeks.

Smoking. It is important to refrain from smoking especially during the 48 hours following surgery to avoid severe complications.

The complete recovery takes a few weeks. However, after one or two weeks, gums will heal enough to be able to comfortably function in the surgical areas.

For a smoker, it can be very difficult to temporarily stop tobacco use, even after major surgery in the mouth. Even if one feels the urge for a cigarette, it is important to wait at least 72 hours before smoking after any surgical procedure especially after extraction of wisdom teeth.

You must understand that there are chemical toxins in cigarette smoke, which can delay the healing after a surgery, and even cause serious complications such as dry socket and inflammation. A dry socket is expressed by a bad smell in the mouth, very intense pain that can spread on the whole side of the face, and a difficulty to open the mouth.

Moreover, the mechanism of smoke aspiration when inhaling on a cigarette may expel the blood clot newly formed. The clot is the first step in the healing process after a tooth extraction. If it is dislodged, the person can also suffer from dry socket.

Following surgery it is advisable not to do any heavy physical exercise during the following two days. It is also recommended to wait a week before playing any intense sports, such as football, basketball or even jogging. Meanwhile it is possible to do mild exercise such as walking or stretching. It’s even possible to go to work if little physical effort is required. Lifting heavy objects should however be avoided.