It is critical to follow wisdom teeth extraction aftercare instructions provided by your dentist. You may have required wisdom tooth extraction because of a tooth abscess, broken and non-restorable tooth, or a wisdom teeth impaction that was causing pain. While a wisdom tooth extraction can be a serious dental procedure, aftercare is just as critical as the procedure itself. With proper care, it is less likely that you will have after surgery complications or infection. Our emergency dentists at Emergency Dental Center recommend the following aftercare instruction following wisdom tooth surgery:
What should I do after wisdom tooth surgery?
There are important steps to follow after having impacted wisdom teeth surgery. Following this instruction will lessen the likelihood of postoperative wisdom tooth complications.
- Apply pressure on the cotton gauze that the dentist placed over the wisdom tooth surgical area by gently biting down. Change the gauze as needed.
- Rest as much as possible and keep your head elevated.
- 48 hours after impacted wisdom teeth surgery, rinse mouth with warm salt water every 1-2 hours.
- Light brush your teeth and gently wipe the surgical area with gauze.
- Reduced swelling by applying an ice pack to the jaw area.
- Take all prescribed medications accordingly.
- Maintain a soft day for at least 3-4 days.
- Do not drink fluids through a straw for 4-5 day. Drink plenty of water.
- Refrain from smoking after wisdom tooth treatment for the next 3-4 days as smoking increases your chances of getting an infection.
After your wisdom tooth has been extracted, healing will take some time. Most sutures dissolve within 3-10 days. On occasion, your dentist may use non-dissolving sutures; these require a seperate visit for removal. Your body’s natural healing process will gradually begin to fill in the wisdom tooth’s surgical tooth socket. In a matter of months you will notice that the adjacent tissue has completely filled in the surgical area.
Does the emergency dentist put sutures after wisdom teeth removal?
Often, the dentist may place sutures after wisdom teeth extraction. These sutures may be dissolvable and most often do not require follow-up visit after wisdom tooth surgery to remove.
How quickly do you need to have an infected wisdom tooth extracted?
If a wisdom tooth causes pain and infection, your dentist may schedule an urgent impacted wisdom tooth extraction. Otherwise the decay and infection may get worse.
Can wisdom teeth cause swelling after being extracted?
Yes, you may notice swelling if you need your wisdom tooth removed. You may notice swelling in the gums near your wisdom tooth. You may also notice tenderness when you touch them.
What are complications after wisdom tooth extraction?
- Bleeding – Don’t be alarmed if bleeding continues after your wisdom tooth removal. Remember to apply light biting pressure on the gauze or tea bag by gently biting down for 30 minutes. If your bleeding does not reduce after 48 hours, please call our office at 713-829-5508
- Bone sequestra (dead tooth fragments) – Some patients have small sharp tooth fragments that were unable to be completely removed during wisdom teeth surgery. These small pieces will naturally work themselves through the gum area as part of the natural healing process.
- Dry socket – In the days that follow your wisdom tooth extraction, pain should gradually subside. Rarely, patients report that pain increases. Often this is a case of dry socket. Dry socket can occur after wisdom tooth surgery when the blood clot becomes irritated and ousted before healing is complete.
- Dizziness – Stand up slowly when moving from a reclined position. A reduction in sugar intake because of a change in diet could impair your balance. All your body time to compensate for the wisdom tooth surgery.
- Numbness – Immediately after your wisdom tooth surgery, the surgical area will likely remain numb for up to 6 hours. On occasion, the numbness could last longer. No need to worry as the body will metabolize the anesthetic and feel the cheek area will return normally.
- Swelling – Your dentist may advise to place ice packs if swelling develops. This is part of the normal healing process and should not be a major concern. Use for a 10-15 minutes interval during the first day and a half.
- Trismus– A sore jaw and trouble chewing or swallowing after impacted wisdom teeth surgery is possible, do not be alarmed. This can last for 2-5 days. If you experience any complications not mentioned, please contact our office immediately so that we may address your concerns regarding wisdom teeth healing.
Does the emergency dentist put sutures after wisdom teeth removal?
Often, the emergency dentist may place sutures after wisdom teeth extraction. These sutures may be dissolvable and most often do not require follow-up visit after wisdom tooth surgery to remove.
