Wisdom teeth removal is a common surgical procedure. Following specific post-operative care guidelines is important for a smooth recovery, helping to prevent complications and promote comfortable recuperation.
Immediate Post-Operative Care
After wisdom teeth removal, managing initial bleeding is a concern. The dental team typically places sterile gauze pads over the extraction sites, which should be bitten down on with firm, consistent pressure for 30 to 45 minutes upon returning home. If bleeding continues, new gauze can be placed and bitten down on for another 30 minutes, repeating as needed until the bleeding subsides.
Pain management begins before local anesthesia wears off. Taking prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by the oral surgeon helps control discomfort. Applying ice packs to the outside of the face, over the surgical areas, can reduce swelling. These should be used for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery. Resting with the head elevated during this initial period also helps minimize swelling and promotes healing.
Diet and Hydration Guidelines
Proper dietary choices are important for protecting the healing extraction sites. Immediately after surgery, consuming only soft, cool foods helps prevent irritation and dislodgement of the protective blood clot. Examples include yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and lukewarm broth. Gradually, as comfort allows, one can reintroduce slightly firmer foods over several days.
Certain foods and drinks should be avoided during the initial recovery. Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods, such as nuts or popcorn, can damage the surgical sites or become lodged in the sockets. Hot or spicy foods can also cause irritation and discomfort.
Staying well-hydrated is important for overall recovery, but drinking through a straw should be avoided for at least the first week. The suction created by using a straw can dislodge the blood clot from the socket, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket.
Oral Hygiene and Activity Restrictions
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for preventing infection, but it must be done gently to protect the healing areas. Vigorous rinsing or spitting should be avoided for at least 24 hours after surgery to prevent dislodging the blood clot. After this initial period, gentle rinsing with a warm saltwater solution can begin, four to five times a day, especially after meals. This solution can be prepared by dissolving a half teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water.
Brushing teeth can resume the day after surgery, but care should be taken to avoid the surgical sites directly for several days. A soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended, and gentle strokes should be used around the healing areas. Physical activity restrictions are also important to prevent complications like increased bleeding or swelling. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or any activities that increase heart rate or blood pressure should be avoided for at least three to five days, or longer if advised by the surgeon.
Recognizing and Addressing Concerns
While some discomfort and swelling are normal after wisdom teeth removal, it is important to recognize signs that may indicate a complication. Severe, throbbing pain that worsens several days after surgery, especially if accompanied by a foul taste or odor in the mouth, could be a symptom of a dry socket. This condition occurs when the protective blood clot dislodges from the extraction site, exposing the underlying bone and nerves.
Other signs requiring attention include persistent heavy bleeding that does not subside with pressure, worsening swelling or bruising after the first 48 hours, or a fever above 101°F (38.3°C). The presence of pus around the surgical site also indicates a potential infection. Contacting the oral surgeon or dentist immediately if any of these symptoms arise is important for prompt assessment and appropriate treatment. Follow-up appointments are scheduled within one to two weeks after surgery to ensure proper healing and address any questions or concerns.