THE REMOVAL OF IMPACTED TEETH IS A SERIOUS SURGICAL PROCEDURE. POST-OPERATIVE CARE IS VERY IMPORTANT. UNNECESSARY PAIN AND THE COMPLICATIONS OF INFECTION AND SWELLING CAN BE MINIMIZED IF THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOLLOWED CAREFULLY.
- Removal of impacted teeth is a surgical procedure. Postoperative problems are not unusual, and extra care must be taken to avoid complications.
- Severity of postoperative pain will depend on the procedure and your physical condition. Take medication for pain precisely as directed.
- Healing of the surgical site is variable.
- Swelling can be expected. An ice bag can be used to reduce it. Use 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for 24 hours to help prevent excessive swelling and discomfort. If an ice bag is unavailable, simply fill a heavy plastic bag with crushed ice. Tie end securely and cover with a soft cloth to avoid skin irritation.
- Difficulty in opening your mouth widely and discomfort upon swallowing should be anticipated.
- Numbness of lips and/or tongue on the affected side may be experienced for a variable period of time.
- A soft diet should be maintained until harder foods can be tolerated. It is important to keep up a normal caloric intake so that the healing process can proceed.
THE REMOVAL OF IMPACTED WISDOM TEETH AND SURGICAL EXTRACTION OF TEETH IS QUITE DIFFERENT FROM THE EXTRACTION OF ERUPTED TEETH. THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MAY OCCUR, ALL OF WHICH ARE CONSIDERED NORMAL:
- The surgical area will swell.
- Swelling peaks on the 2nd or 3rd post-operative day.
- Trismus (stiffness) of the muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few days.
- You may have a slight earache.
- A sore throat may develop.
- Your other teeth may ache temporarily. This is referred pain and is a temporary condition.
- If the corners of the mouth are stretched out they may dry and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with cream or ointment.
- If nausea or vomiting occurs stop taking the prescribed narcotic pain medication and call your Oral Surgeon.