After Wisdom Tooth Removal
The removal of impacted teeth is different than the extraction of most other teeth. Proper care of your mouth will aid in the healing process and reduce the possibility of complications.
Bleeding
Discomfort
Swelling
Diet
Rinsing
Brushing
Nausea
Muscle Tightness
Opening at the Extraction Site
Stitches
Temperature
Chapping
Allergic Reactions
Post Operative Appointment
Problems
Other Possible Concerns
A Few Additional Thoughts
Bleeding
Some bleeding is normal after surgery. To control this, place a gauze pack over the surgical site and apply firm pressure in that area by biting on the gauze for 20-30 minutes. This process should be repeated as often as necessary until the bleeding is well controlled. However, some slight oozing may occur for the first few days. If the gauze does not adequately control the bleeding, a tea bag can be wrapped in the gauze and placed over the surgical site.
Vigorous rinsing, drinking through a straw, spitting, and smoking all aggravate the bleeding and should be avoided for the first 24 hours.
If excessive bleeding occurs, please notify our office.
Discomfort
Some degree of discomfort often accompanies surgical procedures. Besides discomfort at the surgical site, pain can be referred to other areas such as the ear.
It may be helpful to take prescribed medication for pain relief. In some cases, prescription pain medications may cause nausea, especially if taken on an empty stomach. These medications may also cause dizziness, therefore, do not consume alcohol, drive, or operate machinery.
If you can, take Advil or other similar medications in addition to or instead of prescription pain medications. You can also take Tylenol instead of prescription pain medication, but not in conjunction with it as they both contain Tylenol. Do not wait for the pain to become severe before taking pain medications.
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Swelling
Swelling is a normal response to surgical procedures. It usually reaches a peak by 48-72 hours after your surgery. On occasion, swelling may be accompanied by bruising. To minimize the swelling, apply ice over the affected area intermittently (30 minutes on / 30 minutes off) for the first 24-48 hours.
Diet
You may begin by taking liquids immediately following your surgery. You should progress from liquids to soft foods to a regular diet. It is important to keep in mind that a good diet will promote healing and should allow better tolerance of medications.
Do not take any pain medication on an empty stomach.
Rinsing
Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours. After that time, rinsing with warm water will help remove food debris and aid in cleanliness.
Brushing
Brushing will help to keep the surgical sites clean. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and run it under warm water to further soften the bristles. A little bleeding may occur when you brush; however, this is generally of no consequence.
Nausea
Nausea and/or vomiting may occur and is usually a result of taking pain medication on an empty stomach. If this occurs, stop taking any prescription pain medication and let your stomach settle for several hours. Then try to consume liquids at first, progressing to bland/soft foods until your stomach feels calm.
You may then begin taking Advil, Tylenol, or other similar medicine if needed, taken with food or liquids. No further prescription pain medication should be taken for 24 hours, and then only in limited amounts. Contact our office for further instructions, as needed.
Muscle Tightness
Tightness may occur and is usually associated with swelling of the muscles near the extraction sites. This usually results in difficulty opening your mouth and at times headaches. Applying moist heat after 72 hours to affected areas is helpful in alleviating this problem.
Opening at the Extraction Site
A hole where your tooth was removed may become apparent after surgery. These holes will eventually fill in with new tissue.
Rinsing the area after meals will aid in keeping these areas clean. An irrigating syringe is generally provided at the time of your post-operative appointment and may be helpful in keeping the area clean.
STITCHES
Stitches, if used, will dissolve by themselves unless otherwise mentioned by our office.
Temperature
A slight elevation of temperature may occur and is usually caused by local swelling and/or dehydration (not drinking enough fluids). Rest and plenty of liquids will usually remedy this situation.
If a temperature becomes extreme or persists, please notify our office.
Chapping
Keep your lips moist with a cream or ointment if chapping occurs.
Allergic Reactions
Reactions to medications such as penicillin or codeine usually begin with itching, redness, or a rash. Stop taking all medications and call our office immediately!
Post Operative Appointment
It is generally helpful to be seen for a healing check-up 7-10 days after the procedure.
Problems
If any problems, questions or concerns arise, please call us at any time at Wilmington Office Phone Number 302-477-1800.
Following surgery, it is very important to have something to eat and/or drink. It is also helpful to take two Advil (400 mg. Ibuprofen). If you are unable to take Advil, please let us know so we can advise you on what else you might be able to take. These types of medications give you a head start in minimizing discomfort before the numbness wears off.
Since pain medicine can upset your stomach, it may be best to take half of the prescribed amount. Since most tablets are scored, they can easily be broken in half. This approach will allow you to see how the medication will affect you and minimize the chance of experiencing side effects. Remember, you can always add to it if it doesn’t quite cover your discomfort. For example, one tablet every 4-6 hours would convert to ½ tablet every 2 – 3 hours.
Get up slowly after surgery and after taking any prescription pain medication. Rising too quickly can cause your blood pressure to decrease and result in lightheadedness or actual fainting. If you faint, the person with you should lay you down gently and raise your legs above the level of your head to allow for good circulation. Do not bend over and put your head in your lap. Finally, do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcoholic beverages, or do anything that requires focus or concentration while taking prescription pain medication or for 24 hours after taking it.
Other Possible Concerns
- On rare occasions, numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue may occur after surgery and is usually temporary. Be aware that if your lip or tongue is numb, you could bite it and not feel the sensation. If numbness persists beyond the first 24 hours, call Dr. Rafetto for further evaluation.
- Occasionally, patients may feel hard projections in the mouth with their tongue. They are not likely roots, but rather the bony walls that supported the tooth. These projections usually smooth out on their own. If not, they can be trimmed by Dr. Rafetto.
- If the corners of your mouth were stretched, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment such as Vaseline.
- Sore throats and mild discomfort with swallowing are not uncommon. This generally subsides in 2-3 days. If this problem becomes severe and/or is associated with swelling of the neck or under your tongue, call Dr. Rafetto.
- Stiffness (trimus) of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few days following surgery. This is a normal post-operative event, which will resolve in time. Moist heat can be applied over the area after the 3rd day to help relieve muscle tightness.
- A dry socket is when the blood clot that normally fills the extraction site dissolves or is dislodged prematurely from the socket. The primary symptom of a dry socket is intense pain at the surgical site (sometimes referred to the ear) that becomes evident 2-3 days following surgery. Call our office if this occurs.
A Few Additional Thoughts
- Your case is unique … no two mouths are alike. Therefore, well-intended advice from friends may not be helpful. If you have any questions, please discuss your problem with our office staff.
- Brushing your teeth is okay – just be gentle at the surgical sites.
- If you are involved in regular exercise, be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Since exercise requires energy, you might get lightheaded. If this occurs, stop exercising.