Patient information

After wisdom tooth surgery

The first days after removal are crucial for good healing. Here you will find the most important advice – please also follow the personal instructions we give you after the procedure.

Questions: +49 89 24599075

Day of surgery

Rest and cooling

Keep your head raised, for example with two or three pillows.
Cool from the outside with breaks, never ice directly on the skin: about 20 minutes cooling, 10 minutes pause.
Avoid physical exertion – rest is ideal.
No hot food or drinks, no hot showers.
Do not eat until the anaesthetic has completely worn off.

Wound care

Day of surgery Do not rinse or brush the wound area. Gentle spitting is fine.
From day 2 Rinse gently, e.g. with lukewarm salt water (½ teaspoon per glass), several times a day after meals – or with the solution we recommend.
From day 3 Clean all other teeth thoroughly with a soft toothbrush; keep only rinsing the wound area.
After the check-up Return gradually to normal oral hygiene once we give the go-ahead.

Do not touch the wound with your tongue or fingers.

Diet

Soft, cool and gentle

Suitable Soft food

Yoghurt, pudding, cool puréed soups, mashed potatoes, soft pasta, smoothies – without a straw.

Avoid Hard, spicy, hot

Crumbly food such as crisps or nuts, spicy dishes, very hot food and drinks, alcohol.

Drinking Plenty, no straw

Drink plenty. No straw: the suction can dislodge the protective blood clot in the wound.

Chewing Slowly, on the other side

Take small bites and chew on the opposite side for the first few days.

Normal symptoms

Pain, swelling and bleeding

Pain: Take painkillers as we recommended after the procedure – ideally before the anaesthetic wears off. Please do not take acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. aspirin), as it inhibits blood clotting.

Swelling: It usually peaks on the second or third day and then subsides. Consistent cooling during the first two days helps.

Bleeding: Slightly reddish saliva is normal on the first day. If bleeding is heavier, bite on a clean, folded cloth handkerchief or gauze swab for 20 to 30 minutes without checking in between.

Please contact us

if severe pain does not improve with painkillers or increases again after a few days,
if bleeding cannot be stopped by biting on gauze,
if you have a fever above 38.5 °C or chills,
if swelling increases after day 3 or you have difficulty swallowing or breathing,
if there is pus, a bad taste or odour from the wound,
if numbness persists after the anaesthetic has worn off.

+49 89 24599075 Outside opening hours

The first week

What to avoid

Sport and physical exertion
Sauna, sunbeds and hot baths
Swimming
Smoking – it significantly delays wound healing
Alcohol, especially while taking antibiotics or painkillers
Flights only after consulting us

Aftercare

Check-up and healing

Check-up Usually a few days after the procedure. Ideally, book it before the surgery.
Suture removal Non-absorbable sutures are usually removed after 7 to 10 days – quick and almost painless.
Healing The gum usually heals within two to three weeks; the bone takes a few months.