Pre-Op Instructions for Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Third Molar Surgery Instructions
Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure and, most appropriately, should be performed by a trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Using an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for this type of surgery will most likely reduce the risks of post-operative complications. Furthermore, if complications should arise the oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the best equipped to deal with these situations. Most patients will experience discomfort such as pain, nausea, swelling, and difficulty eating following the procedure. These symptoms generally last up to 72 hours. The following information is provided to assist your recovery and maintain comfort after the third molar surgery.
Bleeding
The doctor will have you bite on cotton gauze to put pressure on the extraction site. You should continue to bite on the gauze for two hours. It is common to have some bleeding for one to two days after the operation. Whenever you brush your teeth, rinse your mouth, or spit, there may be some pink discoloration of your saliva. This is perfectly normal, and you should not be overly concerned. If you examine the wound and there is heavy bleeding directly at the extraction site, you should contact our office so that we can evaluate whether this is a problem. Most bleeding is controlled by applying direct pressure on the wound.
Nausea/Vomiting
It is not uncommon for people to have nausea and vomiting after being sedated or put to sleep for a surgical procedure. It is not common to vomit after the operation. The most common cause of postoperative nausea and vomiting is taking pain medicine on an empty stomach. If you are vomiting more than 24hours after the operation and have not been able to keep fluids down, you should contact our office. It may be necessary to give additional fluids intravenously to prevent dehydration.
Eating
Our doctor recommends starting with clear liquids such as clear broth or non-citrus juices, as they are easy to swallow and less likely to cause nausea or vomiting. Once you can keep fluids down without vomiting, you may advance your diet as tolerated.
Oral Hygiene
Every time you eat, you should rinse your mouth out with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm tap water) to keep the extraction sites as clean as possible and decrease the risk of infection. Vigorous rinsing should be avoided for a period of 48 hours. In some cases, we may prescribe an antibacterial mouth rinse (Peridex Rinse-Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.12%). If prescribed, you should rinse your mouth twice a day (morning and evening) for 60 seconds with one tablespoon (capful) of mouth rinse and spit it out.
Swelling
When you return home following the procedure, try to rest with your head elevated on two to three pillows. An ice pack applied to the face near the area of the extraction sites helps to reduce swelling. Keep packs applied to the face and your head elevated as much as possible for the first two days after the operation.
Pain
Dr. Hilmi will use a long-acting anesthetic that should keep your mouth numb for four to six hours after the operation. When the local anesthetic subsides, it is usual to have pain and discomfort. Take the medications that were prescribed to you during your consultation visit. Do not take pain medicine on an empty stomach.
Sutures (Stitches)
If you required sutures, they are most likely dissolving sutures. You should expect them to become loose and fall out between three and ten days after the oral surgery as the extraction site heals.
Post-Surgical Appointment
Our Practice recommends most patients for follow-up visits five to ten days after oral surgery procedures. Most complications following surgical extraction of impacted teeth occur within this period. Your follow-up appointments are an important part of the surgical management of your impacted teeth and help to ensure your comfort and proper recovery.
It is strongly recommended that patients avoid the use of alcoholic beverages and smoking before and after surgery.
If you have any questions or concerns kindly contact our office at 845-340-1962.