A small amount of bleeding for a few hours after surgery is expected. Avoid rinsing your mouth rigorously during this time, as this disrupts the blood clot and provokes bleeding. Oral bleeding usually consists of blood mixed with saliva. Biting a piece of gauze placed over the surgical wound generally stops the bleeding within 30 minutes. Despite this, if fresh blood wells up from within the wisdom tooth socket, please proceed to the dental clinic or the Accident and Emergency department for after-hours care.

Don't be surprised if your face swells up over the next two to three days. Facial swelling is a normal response to all surgical procedures. There may be bruising or skin discolouration around the cheeks and jaws, sometimes extending all the way to the neck. Bruising generally appears bluish-black initially before turning greenish-yellow, and fades after two to three weeks.

You may also experience some pain, jaw stiffness and restricted mouth opening for a few days. The corners of your lips may also be sore and cracked but will heal with time.

For a quick recovery, good oral hygiene is important. Continue brushing your teeth gently and take the prescribed medications, as they are effective in alleviating most of these discomforts. If you smoke, now would be a good time to quit, as this has been shown to delay wound healing and increase the incidence of dry socket. Try to stop smoking 2 to 3 days before and after surgery.

What can I eat after surgery?

Soft and cool food (like porridge, mashed potatoes, yoghurt and even ice-cream) is best for the first day. You can upgrade your diet gradually. Gently rinsing your mouth with water after meals helps to remove food particles lodged in the empty tooth socket. You will be issued a syringe and taught care techniques.

Post Operative / Extraction Advice

• Local anaesthetic has been administered on you. Please do not suck or chew on your numbed lip/cheek, thereby causing bruising.
• Remove gauze in your mouth after 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, replace gauze over wound and bite firmly on it for a timed 15 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
• Do not leave gauze in the mouth unattended in children, the elderly or mentally handicapped.
• Do not eat, drink or sleep with gauze in the mouth.
• Do not exercise, do heavy work, smoke or drink alcohol for a week, as it may cause bleeding and delay the healing process.
• Expect gradual onset of swelling, which is worst on the 2nd or 3rd day. Do not put warm compress as this may worsen the swelling.
• Some bruising in the skin may occur. This should resolve over the next 2–3 weeks.
• Go on a soft diet initially and keep your mouth clean by brushing and rinsing gently after meals.
• Complete your course of antibiotics if they have been prescribed.
• If you have been issued a syringe, use it from the 4th postoperative day to flush out food debris trapped in the tooth socket. Do this daily for about 2 weeks.

Should you encounter severe and persistent bleeding

• During working hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM), return to the Dental Clinic.
• After working hours, proceed to the Acute & Emergency Care Centre, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.

SMS 91139895 if you have any issues or concerns. We will contact you within the working day.