Since the removal of wisdom teeth is a surgical procedure, post operative care is extremely important. Following your dentist instructions for care will help speed up recovery, reduce pain, swelling, minimize complications or infection.
If you were sedated, it can take up to 24 hours for the full effects of the drugs to wear off and recovery from this surgery can take up to 2 weeks with the first 24 – 48 hours being the most uncomfortable.
Below are symptoms that you may experience post surgery as well as what you should be mindful of while recovering.
Pain
You are likely going to experience some pain during recovery which should subside after 48 hours. You should take any pain medication that were either prescribed or recommended by your dentist. Pain medication should be taken when discomfort is felt. Easing the pain in your mouth is important so you can rest comfortably and sleep well which will help with recovery. If your jaw is sore from the procedure, icing your jaw with a cold pack for 15 – 20 minutes at a time may also help to relieve pain.
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Bleeding
Bleeding and oozing may occur for 12 – 24 hours after surgery from the extraction site. If bleeding does occur, place a piece of cotton gauze over the surgical area and bite down firmly on it for about 30 minutes. You will want to avoid excessive spitting, mouth rinsing or touching of the surgical area as this can disturb the clot, dislodge it and cause additional bleeding. If you experience bleeding 24 hours after your surgery, call your dentist or oral surgeon for further instructions from them.
Swelling, Bruising and Stiffness
It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising as well as stiffness in the jaw and neck after surgery. Swelling can continue to occur up to 3 days after surgery and will gradually subside after that. To ease some of the pain an ice pack can be applied to the jaw and cheek area area for 15 – 20 minutes at a time.
Diet
Clear liquids are advised for at least 6 hours after surgery. Eating soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce pudding, broth or smooth soups, smoothies should be eaten for the first 24 hours. Gradually add back in semi soft foods. Until you are fully healed it is best to avoid foods that are chewy, hard or sticky as they can get stuck in the socket and irritate the extraction site. It is also advised to not consume any alcoholic beverages, caffeinated, carbonated or hot beverages during the first 24 hours. Avoid using a straw as the sucking motion can dislodge a clot.
Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean will help with recovery by speeding up healing as well as help to prevent postoperative infection.
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Refrain from brushing your teeth, excessive spitting or using any mouthwashes for 24 hours after surgery. Once you can brush your teeth, be gentle around the extraction site. Rinsing your mouth with a salt water solution can can also be done to clean the mouth out after meals. The salt water solution is made up of ½ teaspoon of salt and a glass of warm water.
Smoking
Smoking should be avoided for for at least 24 hours, preferably 3-5 days after surgery. Smoking decreases blood supply which slows down healing as well as contaminants enter the mouth through the smoke. The sucking motion also has potential to dislodge blood clots and cause the extraction site to bleed.
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Activities
Do not operate any motor vehicles, boats, power tools or machinery for 24 hours after surgery. Following the surgery, you will want to rest for the remainder of the day. Avoid strenuous activities for about a week.
If you just had your wisdom teeth extracted and are experiencing pain that cannot be managed, excessive bleeding, additional discomfort be sure to contact your Dentist or Oral Surgeon. If you have questions about your wisdom teeth and the recovery, your North Burnaby Dentist can answer your questions help you to decide the best treatment options for you.
