Oral Surgery in Ocoee

Generally, most patients prefer to rest for a few days after their wisdom teeth are removed. After treatment, you may experience minor bleeding and pain. If you exercise regularly, remember to stop if you get lightheaded. Everyone’s reaction varies, and pain ranges from mild to severe. You should expect to have some swelling after surgery. It usually peaks on the second day and resolves shortly after. Closely follow your instructions to ensure maximum comfort and expedited healing. In most cases, 3 to 5 days is enough!

So, you just had your wisdom teeth removed and are thinking about what you can eat after wisdom teeth removal? As with most things, preparation is key. Stock up on easy-to-eat foods like popsicles, ice cream, yogurt, warm soup, Jell-O, and other foods that require little to no chewing.

For the first 24 to 48 hours, consume only liquids and soft foods such as yogurt, apple sauce, pudding, mashed potatoes, and ice cream. Cold foods are especially helpful with discomfort. As you start feeling better, you can experiment with more solid foods. By day 3, foods like soft, fluffy eggs, toast, or oatmeal can be consumed. By the fifth day, you should be able to resume eating firm foods so long as you make sure to chew slowly and avoid taking large bites.

Slight temperature elevation after surgery is not uncommon. Tylenol or Ibuprofen can be taken to reduce the fever but be careful not to mix medications. Be wary of going from lying down to standing quickly due to lightheadedness caused by low blood sugar or medications. Wait one minute in the seated position before standing to ensure you make the transition at a reasonable pace. You may feel hard, sharp protrusions near the surgical sites. These are likely the bony walls that support the now-removed tooth. These will usually smooth out spontaneously but can be removed if they persist. Keep your lips moist with ointment such as Vaseline to avoid dry, cracking skin. Sore throats are uncommon due to swollen jaw and neck muscles. This should subside in roughly 2-3 days.

It is important to remember that wisdom teeth removal is a serious medical procedure, and that post-operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and complications such as infection and swelling can be minimized if the above instructions are followed carefully.

However, some complications may still arise. Common issues after wisdom teeth removal can include:

• Dry sockets: Dry sockets are the most common issue during wisdom teeth removal recovery, typically arising due to the premature dislodging of a blood clot. Dry sockets typically occur in the lower jaw three to five days after surgery, causing aching in the ear that radiates down towards the chin. Those who smoke or consume oral contraceptives may be at greater risk for dry sockets. Luckily, they can be easily treated. First, we will need to perform a quick exam to determine if the discomfort is due to a dry socket. If so, we will gently clean it before we address the issue. Treatment relieves the pain almost instantly and effectively prevents future discomfort as the area heals. This is purely for pain management and does not expedite healing. If medication is managing the pain on its own, additional dressing may not be necessary.
• Sensory nerve damage: One nerve in your lower jawbone is often close to the lower wisdom tooth’s roots. It can become injured during the procedure, specifically in older patients, whose roots run deeper than a teenager’s. You may feel a tingle in your lower lip, chin, or tongue when the anesthesia wears off, but this is usually temporary and should resolve gradually. However, you should be aware of this possibility before consenting to surgery.
• Sinus issues: The upper wisdom teeth are close to your sinuses, and their removal can leave an opening. This is unlikely for younger patients. It will typically close on its own, but we recommend you avoid blowing your nose for a few days.
• Infections: Occasionally, infections occur after surgery. It is easily treatable and usually requires a quick office visit and exam. A prescription of antibiotic will typically do the trick.

If extraction becomes necessary, the dental team at Colonial Drive Family Dentistry will provide the safest, most comfortable extraction procedure possible. Even though many fear getting their wisdom teeth removed, you can expect considerate, efficient dental care from our team.