Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure. Following your oral surgeon’s instructions is important for a smooth recovery, ensuring the healing process progresses as expected.
Swallowing Saliva After Extraction
It is safe to swallow saliva after wisdom teeth removal, even if it appears blood-tinged. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is common for 24 hours or more following surgery.
While swallowing is permissible, avoid spitting vigorously or rinsing your mouth forcefully, especially during the first 24 hours. These actions create negative pressure, which can dislodge the protective blood clot at the extraction site, potentially leading to complications.
Protecting the Blood Clot
A blood clot naturally forms in the empty socket where the tooth was removed, and this clot is essential for proper healing. It acts as a protective layer over the exposed bone and nerve endings, shielding them from food particles, bacteria, and air. This clot also provides a foundation for the growth of new tissue and bone, facilitating the healing process.
The body begins forming this protective clot immediately after the tooth is pulled, and it typically stabilizes within 24 hours. Dislodging this clot can lead to a painful condition known as dry socket (alveolar osteitis), where the underlying bone and nerves become exposed. Vigorous actions like spitting, forceful rinsing, or using straws can dislodge the clot and should be avoided.
Managing Immediate Post-Operative Sensations
After wisdom teeth removal, expect various sensations as part of the healing process. Mild pain, swelling, and slight oozing are normal, typically peaking within the first 24 to 72 hours. You may also experience jaw stiffness or soreness, making it temporarily challenging to open your mouth or chew.
Applying ice packs to the outside of the cheek near the surgical site for the first 24-48 hours can help reduce swelling and pain. Taking prescribed pain medications as directed by your dentist is also important for managing discomfort. While some bleeding is expected, a small amount of oozing mixed with saliva can make it appear more significant than it is.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some discomfort and mild bleeding are normal after wisdom teeth removal, certain signs indicate a potential complication that requires professional attention. You should contact your dentist if you experience severe pain that does not improve with medication or worsens after a few days. Excessive or prolonged bleeding that soaks through gauze for more than a few hours is also a reason to seek help.
Signs of infection, such as persistent or increasing swelling after 48-72 hours, pus discharge from the extraction site, fever over 101°F, or a foul taste or odor in your mouth, warrant immediate consultation. Persistent numbness in the lips, tongue, or chin, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, should also be reported to your dentist promptly.