After Extraction of Wisdom Teeth
Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured. To help control bleeding bite down on the gauze placed in your mouth. You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge you will receive post operative instructions that need to be followed closely. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at Michaels Oral Surgery Phone Number 740-654-6628.
What Will I Feel Like after Surgery?
On the first day after surgery, you may experience some minor bleeding and pain. Each individual’s reaction to surgery varies, and the sensation can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. A variable amount of swelling can be expected following the surgery. This swelling usually peaks on the third day and should begin resolving after four to five days. You can limit the amount of swelling you have by using ice as directed during the first day. The more ice you use the first day, the less swelling you are likely to have on the second day. On the third day, you will notice that your jaw muscles are stiff, and it is difficult to open your mouth normally. You can apply moist heat to your face on the second and third day allowing your muscles to relax more and open wider. Most of the time you will want to limit your activities for a few days. We ask that you follow your post-operative instructions closely. Doing so will make you as comfortable as possible during the first few days following your procedure. Please allow time for your body to begin healing before resuming an active social, academic, or athletic schedule. Most patients feel like they are over the hump and on their way to recovery in 3 to 5 days.
Experiencing Wisdom Teeth Issues?
Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation!
What Problems Can Occur After Surgery?
As with any medical procedure, there can be complications or an unanticipated result. Some complications that patients undergoing Wisdom Tooth Extraction may experience include:
Damage to Sensory Nerve
A primary concern is a nerve within the lower jaw bone that supplies feeling to the lower lip, chin, and tongue. This nerve is frequently very close to the roots of the lower wisdom teeth. Occasionally, when the teeth are removed, and especially in older patients, the nerve can become injured. When local anesthesia wears off, you may experience a tingling or numbing sensation which is typically temporary.
Sinus Communication
The upper wisdom teeth are situated close to your sinuses, and their removal can result in an opening between your mouth and the sinus. If this occurs, it will usually close spontaneously, but we may give you special instructions to follow, such as avoid blowing your nose for two to three weeks following the surgery. You can wipe your nose, but don’t blow your nose. If you have to sneeze, you should sneeze with an open mouth into a tissue.
Dry Sockets
These are the most common problem people experience following dental surgery. They arise due to premature loss of a blood clot in the empty tooth socket. This seems to occur with greater frequency in people who smoke or are taking birth control pills. While both jaws can be affected, they usually occur in the lower jaw on the third to fifth day. They cause a deep, dull, continuous aching on the affected side(s).
Infection
Occasionally, post-operative infections occur. This usually requires an office visit and clinical examination. Many times, just placing you on an antibiotic for one week will take care of the infection. If it persists, the area will have to be drained and cleaned. Other temporary problems you may experience in the post-operative period include stiffness of the jaws, chafing around the corners of your lips, facial bruising, and blood oozing from the extraction sites.
Experiencing Wisdom Teeth Issues?
Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation!