After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Post-operative Instructions

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 the instructions are followed carefully.They will add to your comfort and hasten your recovery. Most questions you may have and circumstances you might encounter are included. If you cannot find the answer to your concerns in the following text you may call the office.

Control of bleeding

Bite on the supplied gauze pads continuously for 30 minutes. You should change your gauze approximately every thirty minutes but no more frequently until bleeding subsides. This may take anywhere from 1 to 12 hours or more. Please remember to remove your gauze when taking medication or liquids to prevent swallowing. A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. Excessive bleeding may be controlled by first rinsing or wiping any old clots from your mouth, then placing a gauze pad back over the area and biting firmly for thirty minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag for thirty minutes. The tannic acid in the tea bag helps to form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels. To minimize further bleeding, do not become excited, sit upright, and avoid exercise. If bleeding does not subside, call for further instructions.

6 Things Not to Do
in the first 24 hours:

1. No Smoking
2. No use of straws
3. No hot liquids (lukewarm coffee, tea etc. is ok)
4. No vigorous rinsing with mouthwash or water
5. No spitting (you may wipe saliva from your mouth)
6. No carbonated or alcoholic beverages

Diet

If you have had IV sedation, please eat something as soon as possible. Soft cold foods are advisable for the first 24 hours to reduce the possibility of mouth injury. Examples include ice cream, jello, yogurt and milkshakes. Ice chips or crushed ice will help to thin your saliva, reduce swelling and improve comfort. The following day, chewing softer foods will help prevent muscle tension and improve nourishment. Examples include spaghetti, macaroni, casseroles and scrambled eggs. Try to avoid hard, crisp and tough to chew foods.

Nausea

Nausea after surgery is not an uncommon event. It can be related to anesthesia, pain medication or swallowing of blood and usually is not a problem after the first 24 hrs. Try to eat a small amount of food prior to taking medication and take your pill with a large volume of water. We often prescribe nausea medication along with your other post op medications just in case.

Swelling

The swelling that is normally expected is usually proportional to the surgery involved. 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 may not become apparent until the day following surgery and may not reach its maximum until 2-3 days post-operatively and may last 5-10 days. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs and keeping your head elevated. The provided ice packs should be left on continuously while you are awake. After 24 hours, ice has no beneficial effect. If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days, there is no cause for alarm. This is a normal reaction to surgery. Thirty-six hours following surgery, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face is beneficial in reducing the size of the swelling.

Pain

Unfortunately pain is a normal part of the post surgical recovery. We will do everything we can to help minimize your discomfort but it should be expected. You will be given pain medications as well as instructions for taking them. You will have the best result by staying on the prescribed regimen.

Recovery

If you were sedated, avoid all activity the day of surgery. You should not drive a car, perform any tasks that could result in injury or make any important decisions for 24 hours.

Oral Hygiene

Do not brush your teeth or rinse your mouth for the first 24 hrs. Do resume oral hygiene the following day, including frequent oral rinses. Do not resume vigorous rinsing until the 5th day.

Stitches (sutures)

If sutures were placed they were used to control bleeding and hasten healing. Most sutures will dissolve in about 3-10 days. If non-dissolving sutures are used, you will be informed and given an appointment for their removal.

Prescriptions

Prescribed medication is given for a specific purpose. Take it only as prescribed. Do not let anyone else take your medications and do not take anyone else’s medication. Take all antibiotics until gone. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous equipment while taking pain medications; they can impair your judgment. If you feel you may run out of pain medication, please try to call for a refill during office hours. After hours requests might not be filled if the doctor on call is not your doctor and your record is not available.

Telephone and Call Policy

One of the doctors in our practice is on call at all times. The doctor that did your surgery may not be the one returning your call. Please limit after hours calls to true emergencies such as extreme, uncontrolled bleeding, severe allergic reactions, temperature elevation above 101" that persists for 24 hrs, or prolonged periods of nausea and vomiting. If you feel you are going to run out of pain medication please try to call during business hours. It may not be possible to refill prescriptions if another doctor is on call and your chart is not available.

If you have a true emergency and cannot find the answer to your question here you can reach the doctor on call through the answering service at 214-823-5444. Be prepared to state the name of your doctor, the office you were treated in and have the number of a pharmacy available.