The removal of wisdom teeth is a significant surgical procedure, and proper post-operative care is essential for a smooth recovery. Following these instructions carefully can help minimize discomfort, prevent infection, and reduce swelling.
Immediately After Surgery
- Keep the gauze pad placed over the surgical site in position for at least 30 minutes. After this time, remove and discard it carefully.
- Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the surgical site, as this may dislodge the blood clot that has formed and lead to bleeding.
- Take prescribed pain medications as soon as discomfort begins, usually as the local anesthesia wears off.
- Rest and limit physical activity on the day of the surgery.
- Apply ice packs to the sides of your face where surgery was performed to help minimize swelling.
Bleeding
- Some bleeding after wisdom tooth extraction is expected. Light bleeding, oozing, or saliva tinged with blood is normal.
- If excessive bleeding occurs, rinse your mouth gently and remove any old blood clots. Place a gauze pad over the area and bite down firmly for 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
- If bleeding persists, bite on a moist tea bag for 30 minutes. The tannic acid in the tea can help form a clot by constricting blood vessels.
- Stay calm, sit upright, and avoid physical exertion to reduce bleeding. If bleeding does not subside, contact your dentist or surgeon for further instructions.
Swelling
- Swelling is a normal response to surgery and may peak 2-3 days after the procedure.
- To minimize swelling, apply ice packs to the affected areas for the first 36 hours. Keep them on as much as possible while awake.
- After 36 hours, ice will no longer be effective. Instead, apply moist heat to the sides of your face to help reduce swelling and promote healing.
- If swelling or jaw stiffness persists beyond a few days, do not be alarmed—this is a normal reaction to surgery.
Pain Management
- For mild pain, take Tylenol (one or two tablets every 3-4 hours) or Motrin (two to four 200mg tablets every 3-4 hours).
- For severe pain, take the prescribed medication as directed. Be cautious, as these medications may cause drowsiness—avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Do not consume alcohol while taking pain medications.
- Pain should gradually decrease each day. If it persists or worsens, contact your dental office for further evaluation.
Wisdom Tooth and Jaw Pain
Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause persistent jaw pain even before extraction. This occurs due to:
- Impaction, where the tooth does not have enough space to emerge properly, leading to pressure on surrounding teeth and jaw muscles.
- Infection or inflammation of the gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth (pericoronitis), which can result in swelling and pain.
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) discomfort caused by pressure from wisdom teeth, leading to jaw stiffness and difficulty in opening the mouth.
If wisdom teeth are causing chronic jaw pain, extraction is often recommended to prevent complications such as misalignment, infection, and prolonged discomfort. Following proper post-extraction care will help ensure a smooth recovery and relief from wisdom tooth-related jaw pain.
