Having wisdom teeth removed is a common dental procedure. Various items are placed in the mouth immediately after extraction to promote proper healing and prevent complications. Understanding their purpose can help in managing post-operative care.
Immediate Post-Extraction Placements
Immediately following wisdom tooth removal, dental professionals place materials to manage initial healing. Gauze pads, small folded squares of absorbent material, are routinely placed over extraction sites. Biting down firmly on them helps control bleeding by applying pressure, which aids in blood clot formation.
Sutures, or stitches, may be placed to close gum tissue. These can be dissolvable, breaking down on their own over several days to a few weeks, or non-dissolvable, requiring removal by the dentist within 7 to 14 days. Sutures hold tissue edges together, supporting healing and protecting the blood clot from dislodgement. Not all extractions require stitches; their use depends on the procedure’s complexity.
Specialized Healing Materials
For complex extractions or dry socket concerns, specialized medicated dressings or packing materials are placed within the tooth socket. These materials are often gauze or sponge-like, impregnated with medications. Common ingredients include eugenol (for pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties) and iodoform (for antiseptic qualities).
These medicated dressings help soothe pain, protect the blood clot, and discourage infection. While not directly speeding wound healing, their primary role is to manage discomfort and protect the surgical site during the initial healing phase. These materials are typically used when there is a higher risk of complications or significant post-operative pain.
Oral Rinses for Recovery
Beyond items physically placed by the dentist, specific rinses are often recommended for home use to aid recovery. Prescribed rinses, such as chlorhexidine, possess strong antibacterial properties. These rinses help prevent infection and maintain cleanliness in the mouth, especially when brushing around the surgical site is difficult. They contribute to reducing the bacterial load.
Warm saltwater rinses are another common recommendation. Saltwater acts as a natural antiseptic, helping to reduce swelling and promote healing. This mild saline solution cleanses the extraction site by inhibiting bacterial growth and removing debris without irritating healing tissues. Patients are advised to begin gentle saltwater rinses the day after surgery, swishing gently to avoid dislodging the blood clot.
Caring for Items Placed in Your Mouth
Proper management of items placed in your mouth is important for a smooth recovery. For gauze pads, it is recommended to keep them in place with firm pressure for 30 to 45 minutes immediately after the procedure. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze with fresh pads every 20 to 45 minutes until it stops. Avoid sleeping with gauze due to choking hazards.
If sutures were used, their care depends on the type. Dissolvable stitches typically break down within a few days to a couple of weeks and will disappear on their own, eliminating the need for a follow-up visit. Non-dissolvable stitches require removal by the dentist within 7 to 14 days after surgery. If a medicated dressing or packing is placed, the dental professional will provide specific instructions; these materials may dissolve or fall out naturally. Contact your dentist if pain returns after their removal or dislodgement.
Throughout recovery, avoid actions that could disturb the extraction site, such as vigorous rinsing or using straws, as these can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a dry socket. Maintain good oral hygiene around the healing areas, as advised by your dentist. Contact your dental professional if experiencing excessive bleeding, worsening pain after initial days, increased swelling beyond 2-3 days, fever, or any signs of infection like pus or a bad taste.