After Extraction of Wisdom Teeth

The removal of wisdom teeth is generally performed under general anaesthesia or deep intravenous sedation. Local anaesthesia is an option in some cases. These options, as well as the surgical risks, (i.e,  sensory nerve damage and sinus complications) will be discussed with you at your surgical consultation. After extraction of the teeth, the gum is sutured. To help control postoperative healing, bite down on gauze as instructed by your nurse. You will remain in our fully monitored recovery room following surgery until you are ready to be discharged. You will be given printed postoperative care instructions, as well as a prescription for pain medication and antibiotics. You will also be given a follow up appointment in about one week for healing assessment.

Fountain view Oral Facial and Implant Surgery provides 24 hour call service. A doctor is available after hours. If you have a problem, call our office number @ Fountain View Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery Centre Phone Number 905-275-0058.

Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety. We utilize modern monitoring equipment and our staff are experienced in anesthesia techniques.

What Will I Feel Like after Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?

On the first day after surgery, you may experience some minor bleeding and pain. You should cover your pillowcase with something so that you don’t get any blood on it. Each individual’s reaction to surgery varies, and the sensation of pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. A variable amount of swelling can be expected following the surgery. This swelling usually peaks on the second day and should begin resolving on the third day. You can limit the amount of swelling you will have by using ice for the entire first day. The more ice you use the first day, the less swelling you are likely to have on the second day. Please remember to put ice on the first day even if it is somewhat uncomfortable to have the cold next to your skin. On the third day, you will notice that your jaw muscles are stiff, and it is difficult to open your mouth normally. You can apply moist heat to your face on the second and third day allowing your muscles to relax more and open wider. Most of the time you will want to limit your activities for a few days. We ask that you follow your post-operative instructions closely. Doing so will make you as comfortable as possible during the first few days following your procedure. Please allow time for your body to begin healing before resuming an active social, academic, or athletic schedule. Most patients feel like they are over the hump and on their way to recovery in 3 to 5 days.

What are the Potential Complications Associated with Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

The surgical extraction of wisdom teeth is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. Complications are unusual. Rare, though possible, complications include wound infection, postoperative numbness or tingling in your lip, chin or tongue, dry socket and sinus entry.

Damage to Sensory Nerve

Potential Damage to the Sensory Nerve:

There is a nerve in the lower jaw which is a sensory nerve. It provides feeling to the lower lip, chin, gums, teeth and tongue. Some patients have a nerve that is close to the roots of the lower wisdom teeth. We, therefore, tell all of our patients about the possibility of injury to this nerve during the removal of impacted wisdom teeth. This could cause partial or complete loss of feeling in these structures. The statistical incidence of temporary numbness is approximately four in 100. The chances of permanent injury are two or three in 1,000. The potential for nerve injury is less when we are able to treat patients who are younger and who have not yet formed the roots of their lower wisdom teeth. This is typically during the teenage years.

If your surgeon is concerned about the particular anatomy of your nerve, it may be recommended that you have a preoperative cone beam CT scan to better assess the relationship between the nerve and the roots. Occasionally, your surgeon may recommend partial removal of the wisdom tooth (decoronation) with planned retention of the roots.

Sinus Communication

Sinus Communication:

The upper wisdom teeth are situated close to your sinuses, and their removal can result in an opening between your mouth and the sinus. Once again, if the teeth are removed at an early age, the root formation is minimal, and this complication is very unlikely. However, if it does occur, it will usually close spontaneously, but we may give you special instructions to follow, such as avoid blowing your nose for two or three days following the surgery. You can wipe your nose, but don’t blow your nose. If you have to sneeze, you should sneeze with an open mouth into a tissue. Pressure should not be created in the sinus area, which may dislodge the healing blood clot. If you sense this condition occurring after the surgery, please contact the office. An additional procedure may RARELY be necessary to close the opening.

Dry Sockets

Dry Sockets:

Dry sockets continue to be the most common problem people experience following dental surgery. They arise due to premature loss of a blood clot in the empty tooth socket. This seems to occur with greater frequency in people who smoke or are taking birth control pills. While both jaws can be affected, they usually occur in the lower jaw on the third to fifth day. They cause a deep, dull, continuous aching on the affected side(s). Patients may first notice the pain starting in the ear radiating down towards the chin.

The symptoms frequently begin in the middle of the night, and your pain medication regimen may not help. Treatment can involve changing your prescription. Occasionally it is helpful to place a medicated dressing in the empty tooth socket. This will help decrease the pain and protect the socket from food particles. The effectiveness in alleviating the pain lasts for 24-48 hours and may require dressing changes every day or two, for five to seven days. Dressings usually are removed when you have been pain free for 2 to 3 days.

The dressing doesn’t aid in healing. The only reason to place a dressing is for pain control. If medication is controlling the pain, the socket will heal without a dressing. Following removal of the dressing, an irrigation device may be provided to help you to keep food particles from lodging in the extraction site.

Click on the link for a helpful instructional video on how to use the syringe to maintain your wisdom teeth sites.

Infection

Infection:

Occasionally, post-operative infections occur. This usually requires an office visit and clinical examination. Many times, just placing you on an antibiotic for one week will take care of the infection. If it persists, the area will have to be drained and cleaned. Other temporary problems you may experience in the post-operative period include stiffness of the jaws, chafing around the corners of your lips, facial bruising, and blood oozing from the extraction sites. The post-operative instruction sheet we will provide should answer many of the questions related to these more common concerns. If not, don’t hesitate to call the office at Fountain View Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery Centre Phone Number 905-275-0058.