Wisdom Teeth Removal Instructions

Jacks Oral Surgery & Dental Implants Piqua OH

Please read these instructions carefully.  Sometimes the after-effects of oral surgery are quite minimal, so not all of these instructions may apply.  Each person will respond differently from another in similar situations.  The same procedure may also result in varying effects (swelling, bleeding, etc.) from the left side to the right side or from top to bottom.  Care of the mouth is very important for proper healing and common sense will often dictate what you should do.  The following instructions will speed the healing process and reduce pain, swelling and bleeding.  However, when in doubt, follow these guidelines or call our office any time for clarification.

Day of Surgery

First Hours

Bite down firmly on the gauze packs that have been place over the surgical areas, making sure they remain in place.  Change them every 30 minutes until the bleeding stops. Bleeding should never be severe.  If it is, it usually means that the packs are being clenched between your teeth rather than exerting pressure on the surgical areas.  Try re-positioning fresh packs.  If bleeding persists or becomes heavy, you may try placing a cold, wet tea bag on top of the surgical site for 20 minutes.  Bleeding will appear worse than it is because it mixes with the saliva.  If bleeding remains uncontrolled, please call our office.  It is normal to have some bleeding and oozing for up to 24 hours after surgery.

Diet

You may drink cool liquids as soon as you get home.  Do not chew or take in hot liquids until your numbness has subsided (this may take up to 14 hours).  It is advisable to confine the first day’s intake to cold liquids or soft foods (puddings, Jell-O, yogurt, applesauce, milkshakes, etc.)  Avoid foods like nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, chips, etc., that may get in the socket areas.  Over the next several days, you can progress to solid foods at your own pace (pastas, soft vegetables, eggs, fruits, ground meats, etc.). Alcohol also increases the possibility of prolonged bleeding.  Using straws is not advisable in the immediate post op period.  Do not spit.

Excercise Care

Do not disturb the surgical area today.  Do NOT rinse, spit, suck through a straw or probe the area with any objects or your fingers.  DO NOT SMOKE for at least 2 weeks, since it is very detrimental to healing.  SMOKING WILL INCREASE PAIN AND DELAY HEALING.  It is difficult to control pain caused by wound damage caused by tobacco products.

Swelling

Often there is some swelling associated with oral surgery.  You can minimize this by using a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a towel and applied firmly to the face or cheek adjacent to the surgical area.  This should be applied 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off during the first 24 hours after surgery.  Swelling may increase 3-4 days post op and will be greater in the morning than in the evening.  Bruising may also occur on the face, usually in the chin area by the corners of the mouth.  This bruising is the result of bleeding into the tissue and is of little significance.

Pain

Pain is usually the most intense on the 3rd and 4th days.  You will usually have a prescription for pain medication, and if you take the first pill before the anesthetic has worn off, you will be able to manage any discomfort better.  Please do not take any pain medications on an empty stomach, as this will increase the chance of nausea.  You are not permitted to operate any type of vehicle or machinery for up to 24 hours after having intravenous sedation or while taking some prescription pain medications.  You may supplement each pill with an analgesic such as Advil.  Sometimes teeth adjacent to the surgical site can ache.  This is normal and will resolve in several days.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD DAYS

Mouth Rinses

Do not rinse the mouth for 24 hours following surgery.  Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential.  Beginning the next day, rinse the mouth gently with warm salt water.  Use 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8 oz glass of warm water and swish gently.  Repeat as often as you like, but at least three or four times daily, after meals and at bedtime, for the next two weeks or until the site is covered.

Brushing

Begin your normal oral hygiene routine 24 hours after surgery.  Soreness and swelling may not permit vigorous brushing of all areas, but please make every effort to clean your teeth within the bounds of comfort.

Hot Applications

Difficulty in opening your mouth may occur after your surgery, particularly if you have had impacted teeth removed or involved oral surgery performed.  This is due to the tightness that develops in the muscles.  Warm, moist heat (hot water bottle, moist hot towels, heating pad) applied 20 minutes of every hour will help stretch the muscles.  Start this 72 hours after your surgery.

It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible.  Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, call the office.  Calling during office hours will afford a faster response.  Our office number is Jacks Oral Surgery & Dental Implants Phone Number 937-778-1623.  Dr. Jacks may be reached after hours through the Medical Society at 937-463-1838.