Bleeding

After the surgery, a certain amount of bleeding is to be expected and is considered normal. Minor bleeding or the presence of red saliva is not a cause for concern. If you notice excessive bleeding, you may be able to manage it by rinsing your mouth to remove any old blood clots and then applying a gauze pad to the surgical site. Bite down on the gauze pad for at least thirty minutes. If the bleeding persists, repeat this process or try biting down on a moistened tea bag for thirty minutes. Additionally, reducing physical activity and avoiding excitement can help minimize bleeding.

Swelling

After undergoing wisdom teeth extraction, it is common to experience swelling in the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and the affected side of the face. This swelling is a natural reaction to the surgical procedure. Typically, the swelling may not be noticeable until the day following the surgery and usually peaks around the second or third day. You can alleviate the swelling by applying ice packs to the area of the face where the surgery was performed, keeping them in place while you are awake. However, please note that after 48 hours, the effectiveness of ice diminishes. At this stage, using moist heat, such as a warm compress, is more effective in reducing swelling. Additionally, it is normal to experience some stiffness in the jaw during the second and third days of your recovery. This stiffness will gradually improve over time. Performing daily jaw opening or stretching exercises can help promote a quicker return to normal function.

Pain

If you are experiencing mild to moderate pain, you can take one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol. You may also take two to three 200 mg tablets of Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) every 4-6 hours. For more severe pain, follow the dosage instructions provided for any prescribed narcotic pain medications given by your surgeon. It is important to be aware that prescription pain medications can cause drowsiness and may slow down your reflexes. Therefore, when using prescription pain relievers, refrain from driving, operating heavy machinery, and consuming alcohol. Typically, by 3-4 days after the surgery, you should experience a gradual reduction in pain each day. If your pain persists or worsens, please contact your surgeon.

Diet

Following anesthesia or IV sedation, it is advisable to begin reintroducing liquids into your diet first. Drink from a glass and refrain from using straws, as the suction motion could dislodge the blood clot and lead to increased bleeding. You can also consume soft foods, but we recommend chewing on the side of your mouth opposite the surgical site. Ensure regular nourishment and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. During the initial days post-surgery, you may have a reduced appetite, so increase your fluid intake accordingly. Aim to consume at least five to six glasses of liquid daily. It is important to maintain a balanced diet rich in calories and protein and to avoid skipping meals. Consuming nutritious foods will aid in your recovery, help you feel better, and regain your strength more quickly.

Exercise

If you engage in regular exercise or participate in sports, understand that your usual food intake may be temporarily decreased. If you start to feel lightheaded, cease exercising immediately. Maintaining Oral Hygiene: On the day of your surgery, refrain from rinsing or using mouthwash. You may brush your teeth in the evening, but do so with caution while rinsing. Starting from the day after the surgery, rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution five to six times a day, particularly after meals.

Discoloration/Bruising

Some patients might notice minor skin discoloration or "bruising" along with swelling. Discoloration that appears black, blue, green, or yellow is typically due to blood pooling beneath the skin's surface. This is a normal occurrence and may occur within two to three days after your procedure. Applying a warm compress can help alleviate this discoloration.

Antibiotics

Take antibiotics as prescribed to help prevent infection. If you develop a rash or any other adverse reaction while on antibiotics, discontinue use and contact our office with any concerns.

Nausea and Vomiting: If you feel nauseous or vomit the day after your surgery, refrain from consuming anything orally, including prescription medications, for at least an hour. Afterward, slowly sip on ginger ale, tea, or Coke for 15 minutes or longer. Once the nausea has diminished, you can resume eating solid foods and taking your medications as directed.

Sutures

Sutures are utilized to reduce bleeding and promote faster healing. Occasionally, the sutures may come loose. If this happens, there's no need for concern. Just remove the loosened suture from your mouth and dispose of it.

The sutures used during wisdom teeth removal are typically dissolvable. They may dissolve between 3 to 10 days after your surgery.

After the removal of the wisdom tooth, a cavity will be present. Over the next month, this cavity will gradually fill with tissue, and the gums will seal over it. To maintain cleanliness in this area, especially after meals, use saltwater rinses and continue regular tooth brushing. It may be necessary to irrigate the extraction sockets twice daily for 3-4 weeks post-surgery to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.

A dry socket occurs when the blood clot in the tooth socket is prematurely displaced, resulting in intense pain in the mouth or even extending to the ear. This typically happens 2-5 days after your surgery. If you experience this, please contact our office for further instructions.