Top 10 tips to minimise risks after wisdom teeth surgery

While all procedures carry some risk, there are certain things you can do to minimise the likelihood of developing any complications after wisdom teeth surgery.

1. Avoid smoking

• This is crucial, especially in the first 72 hours while the wound is in the early stages of healing

• Smoking decreases blood flow to the wound and increases the risk of wound breaking down and becoming infected

• Smoking can also increase the risk of a condition known as dry socket

• If you currently smoke, consider cutting down prior to your surgery or ask your doctor or pharmacist about medications to assist in quitting smoking

2. Avoid spitting vigorously 

• After the tooth is removed, a small blood clot begins to form in the socket, which contributes to the healing process. If this blood clot is removed from the socket too early, this is known as dry socket

• You may see exposed bone in the tooth socket and experience throbbing pain as a result

• Spitting vigorously can increase the chances of the blood clot being removed

3. Avoid touching the tooth socket

• It can be tempting to touch the socket with your fingers or tongue after the surgery, but it is best to avoid doing this to prevent breaking the stitches, opening the wound, or removing the blood clot and causing dry socket

• Avoid habits like chewing on the end of a pen, which can cause trauma to the wound and cause bleeding

4. Avoid drinking from a straw

• The suction action from using a straw may cause the blood clot to be removed, and result in painful dry socket

5. Keep your mouth clean

• Continue to brush your teeth twice a day to prevent infection from food debris and bacteria in the mouth. Take care not to cause trauma to the gums and stitches

• A soft toothbrush may be more comfortable while the gums are still sore after the surgery 

• You will be prescribed an antiseptic mouthwash to use three times a day initially, and after this saltwater, rinses can be used instead. This helps flush away any food particles that remain in the mouth and in the extraction socket after eating

• For more information see the blog: “Cleaning and oral hygiene after wisdom teeth surgery”

6. Avoid vigorous activities straight after surgery

• Be careful not to do anything too strenuous in the first 48 hours after surgery as this can increase your blood pressure and cause bleeding from the extraction site

7. Avoid hot food or drinks and eating hard food or seeds/grains

• After surgery, your mouth will be numb from the local anaesthetic. Avoid consuming anything hot in the first 24 hours as this can cause burns or increase the risk of bleeding from the wound

• While the wounds are still healing, it is best to avoid hard or sharp foods (e.g. nuts, crackers) which can damage the wound or break the stitches.

• Small grains/ seeds can get trapped in the extraction socket and cause infection if unable to be removed

• For more information see the blog: “What am I allowed to eat after wisdom teeth surgery?”

8. Take antibiotics as prescribed

• If necessary, you may be prescribed antibiotics to help prevent the risk of infection. It is important to take these according to the directions on the label and complete the entire course

• However, if you develop any side effects from the medication such as a rash, swelling, vomiting or diarrhoea then stop taking the antibiotics and see your Doctor. 

9. Use ice packs early on if required

• In the first 24 hours after surgery, placing an ice pack on the face can help provide some comfort and reduce the swelling. After this time it is not necessary to continue

• Adding an extra pillow under the head when sleeping can help to reduce swelling

10. Follow any other instructions from your dental surgeon

• This may include specific requests such as not blowing your nose after surgery. This may be a precaution if your upper wisdom teeth were located close to the sinuses  to prevent complications from occurring.