The removal of impacted teeth is a serious surgical procedure. Post-operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and the complications of infection and swelling can be minimized if instructions are followed carefully. Show
Immediately Following Wisdom Tooth Surgery:
BleedingBleeding will occur after surgery, and it is not uncommon to ooze blood for 24-48 hours after surgery. Keep in mind that oral bleeding represents a little blood and a lot of saliva. Placing a gauze pack over the area and biting firmly will control bleeding. If oozing is still active, replace gauze as needed. If bleeding continues or begins again, sit upright or in a recliner, avoid physical activity, use ice packs on the sides of the face where surgery was performed and bite gauze for 1 hour or on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes. The tannic acid in the tea bag helps to form a clot by constricting bleeding vessels. DO NOT RINSE, SPIT, OR DRINK THROUGH A STRAW – This will cause suction and could result in bleeding. If you wish to clear blood from your mouth, let it drip into the sink, but do not rinse or spit. Call Us Today! Request An Appointment PainDiscomfort is common after any surgical procedure. Take the pain medication as prescribed by your surgeon. For mild to moderate pain you may switch to your choice of over-the-counter pain medication. If your post-operative pain or swelling worsens beyond the third day after surgery or unusual symptoms occur, please call our office. NOTE: Tylenol should not be taken concurrently with the prescription pain medication as this typically already has Tylenol as an ingredient and could result in overdosage. SwellingSwelling is a normal occurrence after surgery and will not reach its maximum until 2-3 days after surgery. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. A zipper-lock bag filled with ice, or ice pack should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. If continuous use is uncomfortable, then use it for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Apply the ice continuously as much as possible for the first 36 hours. Suggested way to apply ice:
SuturesSutures are placed in the area of surgery to minimize post-operative bleeding and to help healing. Sometimes they become dislodged, this is no cause for alarm. Just remove the suture from your mouth and discard it. Under most circumstances, the sutures will dissolve approximately one week after surgery. Should you require the removal of sutures, this procedure requires no anesthesia or needles. It takes only a minute or so, and there is no discomfort associated with this procedure. DietOn the day of surgery, we recommend cool liquids and soft cool foods. You may eat anything soft by chewing away from the surgical sites. You should prevent dehydration by taking fluids regularly. Try not to miss a meal. Please avoid popcorn, nuts and seeds for 6 weeks after your extractions. Discoloration or bruisingIn some cases, discoloration of the skin follows swelling. The development of black, blue, green, or yellow discoloration is due to bruising beneath the tissues. This is a normal post-operative occurrence, which may occur 2-3 days post-operatively. Beginning 36-hours after surgery, moist heat applied to the area may speed up the removal of the discoloration. AntibioticsAntibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent infection. If you have been placed on antibiotics, take the tablets or liquid as directed. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction, and call the office. Female Patients: Antibiotics and other medications may interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. An additional form of birth control should be utilized for one complete cycle of birth control pills after the course of antibiotics or other medication is complete. Nausea and VomitingNausea and vomiting can occur as a result of:
Post-operative nausea is usually self-limiting and sipping on FLAT cola (Pepsi or Coke) often helps. Soda crackers may also be used with cola. If nausea persists, stop taking the pain medication and substitute an over-the-counter pain medication for the next dose. If nausea is persistent, call our office. TobaccoSmoking, chewing or dipping will retard healing, cause increased discomfort and increase the chance of dry sockets. We strongly advise you to discontinue these habits during your healing phase. Oral HygieneKeep the mouth clean. You can brush your teeth the night of surgery, but be gentle around the surgical sites. If there is no bleeding, salt-water rinses may begin 24 hours after surgery. (Mix 1 tablespoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water.) Swish gently and allow the water to drip into the sink. Rinses should be done 2 to 3 times per day, especially after eating. ActivityActivities after surgery should be couch or bed rest for the first day. Bending, lifting, or strenuous activity will cause increased bleeding, swelling, or other problems. You should be careful going from the lying down position to standing. You could get light-headed when you stand up suddenly. If you are involved in regular exercise, be aware that your normal fluid and caloric intake is reduced. Exercise in the post-operative period may also result in increased bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Exercise should be avoided for 3-4 days following surgery. Other Complications
Irrigation of wisdom tooth socketsIt is common and inevitable that food and other debris will begin to accumulate in your extraction sites. This is even more common on the lower extraction sites. We have provided a curved-tip irrigation syringe that you should begin using on DAY 5-7 as instructed by your surgeon, after your surgery to aid in the removal of debris. We recommend you use either a lukewarm saline solution or tapwater to irrigate your sockets as follows: How do you get rid of swollen cheeks after wisdom teeth removal?How To Reduce Swelling After Wisdom Teeth Removal. Apply an ice pack. You can get rid of swelling after tooth extraction by applying an ice pack to the outside of the surgical site.. Elevate your head. ... . Take pain medication. ... . Apply a warm compress. ... . Saltwater rinse. ... . Eat a soft food or liquid diet.. Why do cheeks get puffy after wisdom teeth removal?The cheeks get swollen after an oral surgery procedure because your body is attempting to heal the damaged tissue. Oral surgery is often a traumatic experience on the body, so in turn, your body tries to heal the site of the extraction or procedure as quickly as possible.
Is it normal for your face to swell after wisdom teeth?Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the body's normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. The swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until 2-3 days post-operatively.
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