Wisdom teeth extraction is a routine and safe procedure. However, it is still a surgical operation that demands careful attention during the recovery phase. Adhering to these post-operative guidelines can greatly reduce the chances of experiencing prolonged discomfort or infection.
Immediately Following Surgery
- A gauze pad will be placed over the surgical incision sites inside your mouth. Leave this gauze pad in position for thirty minutes following the procedure. After this time, remove and dispose of the gauze. Replace it as needed to manage any bleeding.
- Refrain from touching the surgical area or engaging in vigorous mouth rinsing after the surgery. Doing so could dislodge the blood clot, leading to potential bleeding.
- Once you begin to experience pain or discomfort, take the prescribed pain medication as directed. This typically occurs as the effects of the anesthesia wear off.
- On the day of your surgery, prioritize rest and avoid strenuous activities. Resume your regular physical activities when you feel comfortable doing so.
- Apply ice packs to the area of your face where the wisdom teeth were extracted. This is crucial for reducing swelling.
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.
Other Complications
- After the surgery, you may experience numbness in the lip, tongue, or chin. This is a common and usually temporary side effect. However, this numbness might increase the risk of accidentally biting your tongue or lip, so please eat with extra caution.
- It's normal to have a slight increase in body temperature following surgery. You can manage this with over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
- When transitioning from lying down to standing, be cautious as you may feel weak or dizzy. To prevent lightheadedness, sit for a minute before standing up.
- Some patients may feel hard areas in their mouth with their tongue, which are the bony structures supporting the wisdom tooth. These typically smooth out on their own, but if they become bothersome, our surgeons can easily remove them.
- If the corners of your mouth are stretched, you might experience dry and cracked lips. Use moisturizing ointments like Vaseline to keep your lips hydrated.
- You may also notice a sore throat, particularly when swallowing. This is due to swelling in the throat muscles and should improve within a couple of days.
- Post-surgery, you might experience jaw muscle stiffness, making it challenging to open your mouth fully. This stiffness is normal and should resolve on its own.