Bitter Experiences of Post-Wisdom Teeth Removal

It is crucial to plan ahead after wisdom teeth removal so that you understand what is normal and why it is worrisome. Here’s a list of few things after your own wisdom tooth surgery that you might experience. You may contact Dr. Wooten in OKC if you have questions about the symptoms, post-operative symptoms preparation or symptoms that you are currently experiencing.

Bleeding

Bleeding is very frequent after you remove the wisdom teeth. However, a blood clot must soon be formed, so the healing can begin.

When the bleeding is excessive, the area should be covered with a cold, damp pad of gauze and bite down to pressure. If after 30 minutes the bleeding is excessive, moisten a tea bag with cold water and muck for another half hour.

Sitting upright, trying to avoid exercise, and limiting movement near the area of extraction may minimize bleeding. In the few days that follow the surgery, it is normal for a small amount of blood to occur, but try to reduce it as much as possible.

Swelling 

It is inevitable to experience swelling close to the mouth, cheeks and eyes. The day after surgery it usually appears, peaking the 2nd or 3rd day after the procedure.

Swelling can be reduced by using ice first. Apply ice to areas outside the operation site for the first 24 hours after you come home. Use something like a soft cloth as a barrier for 20 minutes and 10 minutes. You should not put the pack directly on your face because your skin can suffer from the cold temperature.

You will want to switch to apply a warm, moist cloth in swollen areas approx. one and a half days after your surgery.

Pain

The pain starts with your procedure the same day (as soon as the anesthetic begins to subside). The duration and severity depending on the individual will vary widely. Take your pain drug exactly as prescribed.

Swallowing Sore Throat & Distress

In addition to the sore throat, you may experience pain after some time at home. This is usual. However, what is not normal is breathing difficulty. If you experience this, seek assistance.

Dry Socket

Recall how we talked about the healing process and importance of blood clots. When the blood clot is broken or dislodged and the bone and nerves underneath are exposed, it is a dry socket. It usually happens two to three days after wisdom teeth removal. You are going to know that you have one, because you experience severe pain in the area of the surgery that your pain medication does not resolve. The pain can radiate to your ear throughout.

The good news is that this phenomenon occurs in only about 2-5% of people. The better news is that it is handy. If you are experiencing this, contact Oral and Facial Surgery of Oklahoma.