Top Oral Surgeon Falcon, Peyton, Limon, Colorado Springs and surrounding areas
After Extraction of Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom tooth extraction is typically performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen), or sedation, depending on your comfort level and the complexity of the procedure. We will review these options, along with potential surgical risks such as sensory nerve damage or sinus complications, before the procedure.
Once the wisdom teeth are removed, we will suture the gums to aid healing. To help control bleeding, you will be asked to bite down on gauze placed in your mouth.
You will rest in our office under supervision until you’re ready to go home. Upon discharge, you will receive an aftercare kit with detailed postoperative instructions and any necessary prescriptions. If you have any questions or concerns after your procedure, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.
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At Falcon Implants & Oral Surgery , we prioritize your safety by providing care in a fully equipped environment. We use advanced monitoring equipment and our skilled staff are highly trained in anesthesia techniques to ensure your comfort and well-being throughout your procedure.
What Will I Feel Like after Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?
Following your wisdom teeth removal, you may experience some minor bleeding and discomfort on the first day. To prevent blood from staining your pillowcase, be sure to cover it with a protective layer. Pain can vary from mild to more severe depending on your individual response to the surgery.
Swelling is also common and typically peaks on the third day, starting to improve by the fourth day. To minimize swelling, apply ice to your face during the first 24 hours. The more ice you use, the less swelling you may experience later on.
While ice may be uncomfortable, it’s important to keep it on for as long as possible during the first day. By the third day, you may notice some stiffness in your jaw muscles, making it harder to open your mouth fully. Applying moist heat on the second and third days can help relax these muscles and improve your ability to open your mouth.
It’s important to take it easy during the first few days after surgery. We recommend following your post-operative care instructions closely to ensure the most comfortable recovery possible.
Most patients begin to feel better and see significant improvement within 3 to 5 days. However, it’s important to give your body time to heal before resuming social, academic, or athletic activities.
Potential Complications After Wisdom Teeth Removal
As with any surgical procedure, there is a possibility of complications or unforeseen outcomes after wisdom teeth extraction. Some potential issues that patients may experience include:
Damage to the sensory nerve, which can affect sensation in the lips and tongue
Sinus communication
Infections
Dry sockets
Our team will review your post-operative instructions with your escort before you leave the office. It’s essential to follow these instructions closely to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.
If you were sedated for the procedure, you may feel relaxed and drowsy when you leave our office. We recommend that you go home and rest, avoiding any physical or academic activities for a few days.
While most patients recover well, complications such as delayed healing, infection, or post-operative numbness or tingling in the lip, chin, or tongue can occur. If any concerns arise, your oral surgeon will discuss them with you and provide guidance during your follow-up visit.
Damage to Sensory Nerve:
One of the potential concerns during wisdom tooth removal involves a nerve in the lower jaw that provides sensation to the lower lip, chin, and tongue. This nerve is often located close to the roots of the lower wisdom teeth. The risk of injury to this nerve is typically lower when wisdom teeth are removed during the ages of 12 to 18, as the roots are shorter, and the nerve is farther from the teeth.
However, in some cases, particularly in older patients, the nerve can be damaged during the extraction. After the procedure, you may experience tingling or numbness in your lower lip, chin, or tongue as the anesthesia wears off. In most cases, this sensation is temporary and will improve gradually over a few weeks or months.
On rare occasions, nerve damage can result in permanent numbness or altered sensation. We believe it’s important for you to be aware of this potential risk before undergoing surgery.
Sinus Communication:
The upper wisdom teeth are located near the sinuses, and in some cases, their removal can lead to a small opening between the mouth and the sinus. When the teeth are removed at an earlier age, the roots are less developed, making this complication very unlikely.
If a sinus communication does occur, it typically heals on its own. However, we may provide you with special instructions, such as avoiding blowing your nose for a few days after surgery. You may wipe your nose, but refrain from blowing it.
If you need to sneeze, do so with your mouth open into a tissue to avoid creating pressure in the sinus area, which could dislodge the healing blood clot.
If you notice any unusual symptoms or suspect this condition after surgery, please contact our office. In rare cases, an additional procedure may be required to close the opening.
Dry Sockets:
Dry sockets are the most common complication following dental surgery, occurring when the blood clot in the tooth socket is lost too soon. This is more likely in patients who smoke or use birth control pills.
While dry sockets can develop in both the upper and lower jaws, they are more frequent in the lower jaw, typically occurring between the third and fifth day after surgery. Patients may experience a deep, persistent ache, often starting in the ear and radiating down to the chin.
Pain from a dry socket can sometimes begin unexpectedly, often at night, and may not be relieved by your regular pain medication. In such cases, we may adjust your prescription or place a medicated dressing in the socket to help reduce the pain and prevent food from getting into the area.
The medicated dressing can provide relief for 24 to 48 hours and may need to be changed every couple of days for 5 to 7 days. It will typically be removed once you are pain-free for 2 to 3 days.
Keep in mind, the dressing is used solely for pain relief, not for healing. If your pain is well-managed with medication, the socket will heal naturally without the need for a dressing. After the dressing is removed, we may give you an irrigation device to help prevent food particles from getting stuck in the extraction site.
Infection:
Occasionally, a post-operative infection may occur after surgery, requiring an office visit for a clinical examination. In many cases, a course of antibiotics for one week will effectively resolve the infection. If the infection persists, the area may need to be drained and cleaned.
Other temporary issues that can arise after surgery include jaw stiffness, irritation around the corners of your lips, facial bruising, and minor bleeding from the extraction sites.
We will provide you with a post-operative instruction sheet that covers most common concerns. However, if you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’re here to help!