On the morning or afternoon of your surgery, do not eat or drink anything (with the exception of prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours before your surgery. Avoiding food and drink for 8 hours is preferable. Having anything in your stomach could result in serious complications when you receive an anesthetic, including nausea and vomiting. This may make it necessary to reschedule your appointment.
Following your wisdom teeth removal surgery, you will need to rest. Bring a family member or a friend to drive you home from your appointment, as you will be under the effects of anesthesia and will not be able to drive yourself home following treatment.
The site will bleed for a short time following your surgery. Our oral surgeons will apply gauze when your procedure is over, which you will need to change periodically. If you continue to bleed for more than 48 hours, contact our office immediately.
When you arrive home, do not lie flat. Prop your head up with a pillow, or recline slightly to keep your head elevated. If you have been prescribed antibiotics or pain medication, please use them as directed. Do not drink through a straw, smoke, or use tobacco products, as this could slow your healing process.
Maintain a soft diet for several days. Popular “soft” foods include:
- Gelatin
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Ice cream
- Thin soups
- Foods you can eat without chewing
If you experience discomfort, we recommend using an ice pack or cold compress. You may also take mild pain relievers as needed.
For more information about wisdom teeth removals, or if you have questions about your post-op instructions, please call Ocean Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. David McAninch, Dr. Robert Kiken, and our team will be happy to provide you with more details about your treatment, and help you schedule your follow-up appointment at our office in Santa Barbara, California.
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