Safe Wisdom Teeth Removal Experience
After having your wisdom teeth removed, it is common to experience some bleeding and pain on the first day. To prevent getting blood on your pillowcase, cover it with something. Pain levels can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain, and swelling is also expected after the surgery. The swelling usually peaks on the second day and starts to go down by the third day. Using ice on the first day can help reduce swelling. Even if it's uncomfortable, it's important to use ice to minimize swelling on the second day. By the third day, you may notice stiffness in your jaw muscles and difficulty opening your mouth. Applying moist heat on the second and third day can help relax your muscles and improve your ability to open your mouth. It's recommended to limit your activities for a few days and follow your post-operative instructions closely to ensure a comfortable recovery. Allow your body time to heal before returning to your normal routine. Most patients start feeling better and on the road to recovery within 3 to 5 days.
What will I feel like after wisdom teeth removal surgery?
After getting your wisdom teeth removed, it is normal to have bleeding and pain on the first day. To avoid getting blood on your pillowcase, cover it with something. Pain levels can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, and swelling is expected after the surgery. The swelling typically peaks on the second day and begins to decrease by the third day. Using ice on the first day can help reduce swelling. It is important to continue using ice on the second day, even if it is uncomfortable, to minimize swelling. By the third day, you may experience stiffness in your jaw muscles and have difficulty opening your mouth. Applying moist heat on the second and third day can help relax your muscles and improve your ability to open your mouth. It is recommended to limit your activities for a few days and follow your post-operative instructions carefully for a smooth recovery. Give your body time to heal before resuming your normal routine. Most patients start feeling better and on the path to recovery within 3 to 5 days.
Are there any problems after the extraction of wisdom teeth?
It is important to note that like any medical procedure, there may be complications or unexpected outcomes with wisdom tooth extraction. Some possible complications include delayed healing, infection, and post-operative numbness or tingling in the lip, chin, or tongue.
Following the procedure, our team will provide you with post-operative instructions to ensure your comfort and well-being. If you were sedated, you may feel drowsy when leaving the office. Most patients prefer to rest at home for a few days without engaging in physical or scholastic activities.
During your follow-up visit, Dr. Khayat will discuss any relevant post-operative events and address any questions or concerns you may have. It is important to closely follow these instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process.
Damage to Sensory Nerve:
One important consideration is the nerve located in the lower jaw bone that provides sensation to the lower lip, chin, and tongue. This nerve is often situated near the roots of the lower wisdom teeth. Removing these teeth between the ages of 12 and 18 can result in shorter roots, reducing the risk of damage to the nerve. However, in some cases, particularly in older patients, the nerve may be injured during extraction. After the local anesthesia wears off, you may experience tingling or numbness in the lower lip, chin, or tongue. This sensation is usually temporary and will gradually improve over weeks or months. In rare instances, it may lead to a permanent change in sensation, similar to the effects of local anesthesia. It is important to be aware of this potential risk before undergoing surgery.
Sinus Communication:
The upper wisdom teeth are located near the sinuses, and removing them can sometimes create a connection between the mouth and sinus. This is more likely to happen if the teeth are removed at a young age when the roots are not fully formed. If this complication does occur, it usually closes on its own, but we may provide specific instructions, such as avoiding blowing your nose for a few days after surgery. Instead, you can gently wipe your nose and sneeze with your mouth open into a tissue. It's important not to create pressure in the sinus area, as this could disrupt the healing process. If you experience any issues after surgery, please contact our office. In rare cases, additional treatment may be needed to close the opening.
Dry Sockets:
Dry sockets are a common issue that many people face after dental surgery, often caused by the early loss of a blood clot in the empty tooth socket. This problem seems to be more prevalent in individuals who smoke or are on birth control pills. While both jaws can be impacted, dry sockets typically occur in the lower jaw between the third and fifth day post-surgery. Symptoms include a deep, constant ache on the affected side(s), with pain possibly starting in the ear and spreading down towards the chin.
Symptoms often start in the middle of the night and your pain medication may not be effective. Changing your prescription may be necessary. Sometimes, placing a medicated dressing in the empty tooth socket can help reduce pain and protect it from food particles. The pain relief from the dressing lasts for 24-48 hours and may require daily or every other day changes for 5-7 days. Dressings are usually removed once you have been pain free for 2-3 days.
The dressing does not aid in healing, it is only for pain control. If medication is managing the pain, the socket will heal without a dressing. After the dressing is removed, an irrigation device may be provided to prevent food particles from getting stuck in the extraction site.
Infection:
At times, post-operative infections may occur, necessitating an office visit and clinical examination. In many cases, a one-week course of antibiotics can effectively treat the infection. If the infection persists, drainage and cleaning of the affected area may be required. Other common post-operative issues include jaw stiffness, chafing around the lips, facial bruising, and minor bleeding from extraction sites. Our post-operative instruction sheet will address many of these concerns, but feel free to contact Wisdom Oral Surgery & Dental Implants at [phone number] if you have any further questions.
