CarolinasDentist Blog

Wisdom Teeth Aftercare for College Kids

4 college kids with backpacks walk up a wide staircase as they go to their next class

College can feel like a constant juggling act! You have so much going on between your class schedule, internships, projects, papers, labs, studying, tests, attending sporting events, socializing and dating, etc. You may even be holding down a job outside of your schooling.

Amidst all the typical college activities and obligations that are expanding your mind and skills, it’s critical to take care of your health. This includes your oral health!

Wisdom Teeth Removal During College

Your college years are a common time for your wisdom teeth to emerge. Due to the positioning of these teeth, they become problematic for many patients. Getting these teeth removed before they cause serious discomfort and problems can help keep you on track with your coursework so you don’t fall behind. Schedule a consultation with our dental team in Cary, NC, to determine if you’ll need wisdom teeth removal.

While a long weekend, holiday break, or between semesters are more convenient times to have your wisdom teeth removed, don’t delay the procedure if you’re starting to experience any issues!

Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare Tips

The removal of wisdom teeth is a surgical procedure that requires special post-operative care at home. Save these tips to prepare for your future wisdom teeth extraction:

  1. Manage Bleeding

    2. Expect mild bleeding that should mostly stop the day of your procedure. Keep a folded piece of gauze over the surgical sites, changing as needed. Clean gauze allows you to gauge how much you are bleeding, is a barrier to bacteria, and helps encourage a blood clot to form. A blood clot is important for healing and will prevent a painful condition called a dry socket. Avoid spitting and rinsing for 24 hours. Begin gentle rinses the day after your surgery. You may see traces of blood for several days when rinsing after eating and brushing your teeth.

  2. Control Swelling

    3. Swelling may increase for two to three days before reaching its peak. Continuously apply a cold compress, bag of frozen veggies, or zip-lock bag of crushed ice to the outside of your face for the first 24 hours. Sit and sleep elevated with an extra pillow for 48 hours. On the 2nd and 3rd days, apply the cold pack for 15-20 minutes increments with 15-20 minute breaks. On the 4th day, you can begin applying moist heat compresses. If your swelling gets worse at this point, please let us know!

  3. Maintain Good Nutrition

    4. Aggressively rehydrate with water within the 24 hours after your surgery. Eat frequent small meals that consist of nutrient-dense soft foods for the first few days. We recommend foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, applesauce, eggs, bananas, and pasta. Avoid foods that can damage your extraction sites or get lodged inside, such as chips, pretzels, seeds, caramel, and candy. Additionally, do NOT drink through a straw. The suction can lead to blood clot loss.

  4. Rest

    5. Your body needs energy to recover. Get plenty of rest and relaxation. Delay vigorous exercise and activities for several days, especially bending and lifting. Slowly get back into your normal activities, as tolerated, without pushing yourself too hard. An increase in blood pressure can disrupt the healing of your extraction sites.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Cary, NC

Dr. Chris Steddum provides gentle tooth extractions with relaxing sedation dentistry at our office location in Cary, NC. After dental school, he completed a residency in Fayetteville, NC, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center where he received advanced training in oral surgery. He received extensive training in IV sedation at The Aristotle Institute, is a member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, and teaches surgical management of wisdom teeth to general dentists around the United States as a clinical instructor with Western Surgical & Sedation.

Please contact us today to schedule your wisdom teeth consultation at CarolinasDentist!

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

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