POST WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL SURGERY TIPS
Having any of these removed is a real nusance.The procedure itself is harmless; your mouth is frozen, calming drugs have been administered the day before and you'll be on the gas or have the I.V. So, when you leave the hospital or dental office, you are just about on your own. It's no fun.
I am in the process of healing as I write this (20/10/98). I had them removed - all four - 16/10/98. It is now bruising of the cheeks and off and on swelling (and yes does it ever swell up). The time of full healing varies from person to person. If you're like me, it takes time and a complication or two might occur - like inflammation or strep throat, nothing too serious hopefully. If you have any side throat pain, see your doctor - you might be prescribed some antibiotics and more pain medication.
Much bleeding is expected the first day, being parched over a sink and letting it drain helps. Lying down is not good, since the blood will drip back - into the throat.
Like the doctor will advise, plenty of cool/lukewarm liquids. This is best for the first three to four days. Milk, chocolate milk, milkshakes, concentrated apple juice, grape juice, etc. are good selections. Plenty of ice packs and some times warm heat applied to the cheeks help reduce swelling.
Do not be surprised if the saliva begins to have a foul smell. It is from the draining of the wounds, which when you start rinsing (about 1-2 FULL days after surgery), you can rinse the "gunk" from the wounds and keep it clean. Water with some salt in it helps also. Draining of the "gunk" may persist for a couple of days. Talking will be a problem for some, from day one to three. The jaw will be sore for a couple of days, and moving your mouth completely open might be difficult.
As most likely, you will be notified about the disolving stitches. They take about 7 days to fall out. Don't be alarmed if one or two pop out while rinsing on the fourth day, etc. It's not uncommon for that to happen.
For the first few days, I recommend sleeping on your back. Try proping yourself up with a few pillows, almost like a sitting position though slanted back. Make sure you are comfortable. Sleep with a towel close to your face since on the first to third or fourth day, blood might drip from your mouth in your saliva during the night. This will prevent from getting any directly on you or your sheets.
As for chewing, I don't recommend it until you have very little or no pain at all in your mouth and you can swallow with out any difficulty and you are feeling fine and are confident you can chew. When chewing do not use your back teeth normally. Use the middle set between the front and back teeth. Be careful to not slip your jaw to one side and hit the operated site with your other teeth.
Most important: keep tongue and fingers at all times away from operated site!
Hope this helps you in every way possible. If you have concerns or questions - ask your doctor.
1998-Stacey SilverCat