Are aftercare instructions for wisdom tooth extraction different if sutures were administered?

Answer 1

Sutures are placed the area of surgery to minimize post-operative bleeding and to help healing. Sometimes they become dislodged, this is no cause for alarm. Just remove the suture form your mouth and discard it. The sutures will be removed approximately one week after surgery. The removal of sutures requires no anesthesia or needles. It takes only a minute or so, and there is no discomfort associated with this procedure. So it's really nothing to worry about. The pain and swelling should subside more and more each day following surgery. If your post-operative pain or swelling worsens or unusual symptoms occur call our office for instructions.

There will be a cavity where the tooth was removed. The cavity will gradually over the next month fill in with the new tissue. In the mean time, the area should be kept clean especially after meals with salt-water rinses.

Your case is individual, no two people are alike. Do not take seriously well-intended advice from friends. Discuss your problem with the people best able to effectively help you: The doctors and staff at Tri-County Oral Facial Surgeons.

Brushing your teeth is okay just being gentle at the surgical sites.

A dry socket is when the blood clot gets dislodged prematurely from the tooth socket. Symptoms of pain at the surgical site and even pain to the ear may occur 2-3 days following surgery. Call the office if this occurs.

If you are involved in regular exercise be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced, exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed stop exercising. It is often advisable to return for a postoperative visit to make certain healing is progressing satisfactorily. A follow-up visit will be scheduled. In the meantime, maintain a healthful diet, observe rules for proper oral hygiene and call our office if you feel something is not going right. * Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours after surgery.

* Keep fingers and tongue away from socket or surgical area.

* Use ice packs on surgical area (side of face) for first 24-48 hours; apply ice 20 minutes on - 10 minutes off.

* For mild discomfort take Tylenol or ibuprofen every three to four hours.

* For severe pain use the medication prescribed to you.

* Drink plenty of fluids. (Do not use a straw)

* If the muscles of the jaw become stiff, you can massage and exersize your jaws. Chewing Gum at intervals will help relax the muscles. After 24-48 hours the use of warm, moist heat to the outside of your face over these muscles will help get rid of the stiffness.

* After the first post-operative day, use a warm salt-water rinse following meals for the first week to flush out particles of food and debris, which may lodge in the surgical area. (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Mouthwash can be added for better taste.)

* Diet may consist of soft foods, which can be easily chewed and swallowed. No seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, etc. Avoid milk and ice cream for the first 12-18 hours after a general anesthesia.

* A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Applying pressure to the surgical area using small rolled gauze for 30-60 minutes controls bleeding. After that time remove the gauze and then you may eat or drink. If bleeding persists, a moist tea bag should be placed in the area of bleeding and bite firmly for one hour straight. This will aid in clotting blood. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding still persists call our office.

* We suggest that you do not smoke for at least 5 days after surgery. Nicotine may break down the blood clot and cause a "dry-socket".