Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that requires some post-operative care to reduce the chance of infection or other complications. Immediately after surgery, a gauze pad will be placed over the extraction site, which should not be removed for at least 2 hours, and then discarded after that. Refrain from drinking from a straw or rinsing the mouth to ensure that you do not dislodge the blood clot that has formed. A clot cures (gets stronger) every minute that it is not disturbed (moved), spitting, checking for bleeding or trying to check the socket are all ways to INCREASE BLEEDING. Limit your activities that day. You can resume your regular activities the following day. Take the pain medication as prescribed to reduce the amount of discomfort you feel after the local anesthetic wears off. As with any oral surgery, refrain from drinking through a straw as doing so creates suction and may disrupt the sutures and the clot. Do not smoke the cyanide in the smoke does not let red blood cells carry the oxygen you need to heal and the nicotine does not allow your imune system to do its job and protect you from infection.