If I’m a smoker, how long should I wait to smoke after surgery?

Smoking is harmful to the healing process and makes numerous complications more likely. Smoking in the first two weeks is especially harmful.

When should I start the prescription mouth rinse?

The prescription mouth rinse should be used for the first time before you go to bed on the night following surgery. Rinse very gently, because your blood clots are still somewhat fragile.

When can I take the gauze out that I was biting on when I left your office?

The gauze may be removed when you get home; to be replaced with new gauze if significant bleeding continues, or if it feels better to have gauze in place. If the bleeding is not tapering off within a few hours of surgery, you should call our office. A small amount of blood on your pillow on the night following surgery is nothing to be alarmed about of there is no active bleeding.

When will my stitches dissolve?

Unless you are told otherwise, your stitches will dissolve after about a week.

When can I brush my teeth after surgery?

Teeth can be brushed immediately, being careful to avoid the surgical areas for the first day or so.

When can I go back to work or school?

Every individual has a different healing response to surgery, but on average there is not much disruption of one’s activities, and generally not for more than a few days. We frequently see people back at work or school on the day following surgery, even when all four wisdom teeth have been removed.

What is a “dry socket”?

Dry socket is a term that refers to a healing complication that used to be seen somewhat frequently, but is rarely a problem today. With current techniques we have all but eliminated “dry sockets”, although we encourage you to call us if you experience anything postoperatively that is not improving day by day or just doesn’t feel right.

How do you keep my mouth open during surgery when I’m asleep?

A small rubber cushion is placed between your teeth before you go to sleep, and this holds your mouth open.