Before and after Wisdom teeth instructions

Pre operative instructions for surgical extraction patients

Any oral surgery including the removal of impacted or unerupted teeth is significant in comparison to simple extraction of teeth.  You may notice some or all of the following changes after the operation.  These are common and do not necessarily indicate complications:

1. Slight oozing of blood can be expected for a short time following the surgery.

2. There may be swelling around the operation site.

3. There may be slight bruising on the face and neck.

4. There may be stiffness of the jaw muscles making it difficult to open your mouth.

5. You may develop a sore throat.

6. The corners of the mouth may dry out and crack if they have been stretched.  The use of a Vaseline or ‘Chapstick’ to the lips will make them more comfortable.

7. The teeth adjacent to the operation may be tender for a short time.

8. There may be a cavity where a tooth was removed.  This should be kept clean as possible with either hot salt mouth soaks or Savacol mouth soaks.  The cavity will fill with time.

9. In some cases there may be an area of numbness of the lower lip, chin, and tongue on the side of the operation.  This usually is a temporary condition which will correct itself with time.  Avoid biting or burning the lip and tongue.  Rarely, will this area be permanently affected. Your dentist will advise you with regards to this for your particular situation.

    Post-operative surgical extraction instructions

1. Bite firmly on the gauze for 30 minutes after your appointment.  Slight oozing is considered normal.  If bleeding persistent, apply pressure to the wound by biting firmly on gauze or a clean handkerchief for at least 30 minutes.

2. You may eat and drink slowly but avoid the wound area.

3. Avoid alcohol and excessive exercise for the rest of the day. After an extensive operation it is best to retire to bed and rest.

4. Do NOT rinse or spit out on the day of having teeth removed.  The following day rinse gently using a glass of very warm water with half a teaspoon of table salt for 2 minutes, 4 or 5 times a day for four days.  Clean your teeth normally, but avoid the wound area.

5. As soon as you get home apply ice in a plastic bag to the outside of the face adjacent to the operation site for 4 hours only.

6. Keep your head elevated with an extra pillow until the next morning.

7. It is important that your medication be taken as directed.

ANTI-BIOTICS

ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES

PAIN RELIEF
(instructions and a prescription for these will be printed out for you at the appointment)
 
You're going to be a little sore for a day or so. If we have prescribed medication for pain, take it as directed.  Anytime you suspect the pain is abnormally intense, call the clinic right away. Any instructions we've given you for antibiotics need to be followed - take them until all are gone.

Expect some bleeding.  A gauze pad pressed gently over the area will usually minimize bleeding.  A blood clot will begin to form within an hour after surgery, and you must take special care with it for 24 hours.  The clot furnishes structure for new tissue and, eventually, bone.  Don't chew on it, brush it, or even rinse right away.  Avoid sucking through a straw.  This could dislodge the clot.

Most important: call us with any concerns or questions you may have during your recovery period