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These guidelines from Smile Studio Dentistry of Baltimore support the specific instructions you received from Neena Joshi. If anything differs, follow your surgery-day directions. Questions or concerns? Call 410-435-8080.
Day-by-day overview
0–24 hours: Rest, keep head elevated, control bleeding with gauze, use cold packs, take prescribed or recommended pain medicine as directed, and stick to cool, soft foods.
24–72 hours: Swelling and stiffness usually peak, then begin to improve. Continue gentle care, add warm compresses after day two, and increase fluids and soft foods.
Days 4–7: Gradually return to normal brushing and a wider diet. Begin socket irrigation if instructed. Mild bruising and tightness can persist for several days.
Bleeding control
Bite firmly on folded gauze for 30–45 minutes right after surgery. Replace as needed until oozing slows.
A small amount of pink saliva is normal for 24 hours. Avoid spitting. Let saliva drool out gently if needed.
Do not use straws for at least 72 hours. Negative pressure can restart bleeding.
If bleeding restarts, place fresh gauze or a moistened tea bag and apply steady pressure for 30 minutes. Keep your head elevated.
Swelling, bruising, and jaw stiffness
Apply a cold pack to the cheek 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first 24–48 hours while awake.
Switch to warm compresses after day two as swelling subsides.
Limited opening and sore jaw muscles are common. Gentle stretching after day two can help.
Pain control
Take only the medications prescribed or recommended by Neena Joshi, exactly as directed.
If advised to use over-the-counter options, follow the label and do not exceed the maximum daily dose.
Avoid alcohol and driving while taking narcotic or sedative medicines.
Nausea
Start with small sips of clear, cool liquids. Advance to soft foods as tolerated.
Take medications with a small snack if allowed. Call 410-435-8080 if nausea persists.
Diet
First 24 hours: cool, soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, smoothies without seeds, pudding, mashed potatoes, eggs, or lukewarm soups.
Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or seedy foods; nuts, chips, and rice can lodge in sockets.
Hydrate well. No straws for at least 72 hours.
Oral hygiene
Do not rinse or brush the extraction sites the day of surgery.
Beginning the next day, brush gently, avoiding the sockets.
Rinse 2–3 times daily with warm salt water if instructed, especially after meals. Do not swish forcefully.
Socket irrigation (syringe)
If you were given a curved-tip syringe, begin gentle irrigation on day five unless told otherwise.
After meals, fill the syringe with warm salt water and flush food debris from each socket. Continue daily until sites close.
Stitches
Dissolvable sutures usually loosen and fall out on their own.
If you received non-dissolving sutures, we will remove them at your follow-up visit.
Smoking and vaping
Do not smoke or vape for at least 72 hours. Longer is better. Nicotine and suction greatly increase the risk of dry socket and delayed healing.
Dry socket
Signs include increasing, throbbing pain 2–4 days after extraction, bad taste or odor, and pain radiating to the ear or jaw.
Call 410-435-8080 if you notice these symptoms. Relief is available.
Sinus and upper wisdom teeth
If your upper wisdom teeth were removed, avoid nose blowing for at least one week or as directed.
Sneeze with your mouth open and do not use straws. Call us if you feel fluid through the nose or have persistent sinus pressure.
Numbness and lip or tongue care
Prolonged numbness can cause accidental biting. Choose soft foods and chew carefully.
Tingling usually fades as local anesthetic wears off. Call 410-435-8080 if numbness persists beyond expected timelines.
Activity
Rest the day of surgery. Limit bending, lifting, and exercise for 48–72 hours.
Resume normal activity gradually based on comfort and your clinician’s guidance.
When to contact us
Call 410-435-8080 right away for heavy bleeding that does not stop with pressure, fever or chills, worsening swelling after day two, foul taste or drainage, persistent vomiting, a rash after starting medicine, severe pain not helped by medication, or any concern that worries you.
After-hours and emergencies
If you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or facial swelling that affects your airway, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For urgent dental concerns after hours, call 410-435-8080 and follow the prompts.
For further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us at 410-435-8080.