The removal of impacted teeth is a significant surgical procedure. Proper post-operative care is crucial to minimize pain, infection, and swelling. Following these instructions carefully will help ensure a smooth recovery.
Immediately Following Surgery
- Keep the gauze pad placed over the surgical area in place for at least 30 minutes.
- Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the wound area to prevent dislodging the blood clot.
- Begin taking the prescribed pain medications as soon as you feel discomfort, which typically starts when the local anesthetic wears off.
- Limit your activities on the day of surgery and resume normal activities only when you feel comfortable.
- Apply ice packs to the sides of your face where the surgery was performed. Refer to the swelling section for details.
Swelling
- Swelling is a common response to surgery and may affect the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and sides of the face. It typically becomes noticeable the day after surgery and peaks around 2-3 days post-operatively.
- To minimize swelling, use ice packs immediately after surgery. Apply ice for 20 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes. After 36 hours, switch to moist heat to help reduce swelling.
- If swelling or jaw stiffness persists for several days, it is usually a normal reaction. Apply moist heat after 36 hours for best results.
Pain Management
- For moderate pain, take one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol every 3-4 hours or two to four 200 mg tablets of Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) every 3-4 hours.
- For severe pain, follow the prescribed medication instructions. These medications may cause drowsiness and slow reflexes, so avoid driving or operating machinery and do not consume alcohol.
- Pain should gradually decrease each day. If pain continues or worsens, contact our office at (352) 753-1114.
Bleeding
- Some bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is normal after surgery. To control excessive bleeding, rinse or wipe away old clots, then place a gauze pad over the area and bite firmly for 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
- If bleeding persists, bite on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes. The tannic acid in the tea helps form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels.
- To reduce bleeding, stay calm, sit upright, and avoid exercise. If bleeding continues, call our office at (352) 753-1114 for further instructions.
Diet
- After the I.V. sedation, start with liquids and avoid using straws. Drink from a glass to prevent dislodging the blood clot.
- Eat soft foods, chewing away from the surgical sites. Ensure a high-calorie, high-protein intake to aid in healing.
- Maintain regular nourishment and stay hydrated by drinking at least 5-6 glasses of liquid daily. Avoid dehydration and continue eating to boost strength and recovery.
- If you feel dizzy when standing up, sit for a minute before standing to prevent lightheadedness.
Keep the Mouth Clean
- To ensure proper healing, avoid rinsing your mouth until the day after surgery. You may brush your teeth gently the night of the surgery, but be cautious not to disturb the surgical area.
- When you begin rinsing, use a mild, non-alcoholic mouthwash or warm salt water, and do so gently. Maintaining cleanliness is important, but be careful not to create any pressure or agitation around the surgical sites.
Discoloration
It is normal to experience discoloration of the skin due to blood
spreading beneath the tissues. This may appear as black, blue, green,
or yellow spots 2-3 days post-operatively. Applying moist heat can
help speed up the removal of discoloration.
Nausea and Vomiting
If you experience nausea or vomiting, avoid consuming anything for at
least an hour, including prescribed medications. After an hour, sip on
coke, tea, or ginger ale slowly over 15 minutes. Once the nausea
subsides, you can resume eating solid foods and taking prescribed
medications.
Other Complications
- Numbness in the lip, chin, or tongue following surgery is typically temporary, but it’s important to be cautious as you may inadvertently bite these areas without feeling it. If you have any concerns, please contact our office at (352) 753-1114. A slight elevation in temperature immediately after surgery is normal, but if it persists, please notify us. Tylenol or ibuprofen can help reduce any fever you may experience.
- Be careful when transitioning from a lying to a standing position, as dizziness can occur due to lack of fluids and the effects of pain medication. To prevent lightheadedness, sit for a minute before standing.
- Hard projections felt in the mouth are bony walls and not tooth roots; they typically smooth out on their own but can be addressed by Dr. Karpovck if needed.
- If the corners of your mouth are stretched, keep them moisturized with an ointment like Vaseline to prevent cracking.
- A sore throat and difficulty swallowing are common due to swollen muscles and should improve within 2-3 days. Temporary jaw stiffness (trismus) may make mouth opening difficult but will resolve over time.
Finally
- Sutures placed during surgery help control bleeding and aid in healing. If a suture becomes dislodged, simply discard it; it will dissolve on its own within about a week.
- The pain and swelling should decrease each day, but if you experience worsening symptoms or unusual issues, contact our office at (352) 753-1114.
- The cavity left by the removed tooth will gradually fill with new tissue over the next month. Keep the area clean, especially after meals, using a toothbrush or a syringe if instructed.
Remember, every case is unique, so avoid taking general advice from others and consult with Dr. Karpovck about your specific situation. Gentle brushing is okay, but be careful around the surgical sites. If you experience severe pain or symptoms of a dry socket (pain at the surgical site radiating to the ear), contact our office immediately. If you’re resuming exercise, be mindful of your reduced nourishment and stop if you feel lightheaded.
After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Following a tooth extraction, it’s crucial for a blood clot to form to
stop bleeding and begin the healing process. To assist with this, bite
down on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after your appointment.
If bleeding or oozing continues, place a fresh gauze pad and bite firmly
for another 30 minutes. You may need to repeat this process several times.
Once the blood clot forms, it is essential to avoid disturbing or dislodging it as it aids in healing. For the first 72 hours, refrain from rinsing vigorously, using straws, smoking, drinking alcohol, or brushing teeth near the extraction site. These actions can dislodge the clot and delay the healing process. Additionally, limit vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours to prevent increased blood pressure and potential bleeding.
Post-extraction, some pain and swelling are normal. Apply an ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn to the area to reduce swelling. Follow your prescribed pain medication regimen, and if it does not alleviate the pain, contact our office at (352) 753-1114. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue taking them as directed, even if symptoms improve before finishing the course. Stay hydrated and consume nutritious soft foods on the day of the extraction; you can return to your normal diet as soon as you feel comfortable.
Resume your regular dental routine, including brushing and flossing, after 24 hours to promote healing and maintain oral hygiene. Within a few days, you should feel better and be able to return to your usual activities. However, if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, prolonged swelling, or a reaction to medication, contact our office immediately at (352) 753-1114 for further assistance.