What to Expect after Surgery

What to expect after your surgery

Discomfort/Pain

Upon discharge you will be provided with medications to manage any pain or discomfort. These need to be taken regularly to be effective and may be required for at least 5-7 days after surgery. (it is important to eat and drink regularly after surgery and whilst on regular pain medications)

Jaw stiffness, swelling and limited mouth opening

Jaw stiffness can remain for several weeks post surgery. This may also effect your mouth opening. Most swelling will occur within the first 2-3 days after surgery, but can last up to 7-10 days. (Day 3 after your surgery swelling is often at its peak.)

Bruising

Can occur and be present for 1-2 weeks after tooth removal

Eating and Drinking

Due to residual numbness do not eat or drink hot food or beverages for the next 18-24 hours. Hot foods and drinks increase the likelihood of bleeding and swelling. A soft diet is advised for the next week-eg. mashed potatoes and gravy, scrambled eggs, soup, icecream.

Nausea and vomiting

Is unusual but can occur, more likely with a general anaesthetic, but may also be triggered by medications. If you have any concerns regarding this please contact us for further advice.

Surgery Under a General Anaesthetic

Along with the above you may also experience a sore throat, dry lips and sore corners of the mouth

Numbness or altered sensation

If the lingual nerve (which supplies feeling to the cheeks, lip, chin and tongue) is bruised when the tooth is removed this can cause pain, numbness, tingling and loss of feeling. This usually resolves over the next 4-8 weeks. In rare cases the nerve may not heal completely and numbness or altered sensation may be permanent.

Dry Socket

As part of the normal healing process a clot forms in the tooth socket. If this clot dissolves or is compromised the bone is exposed causing constant throbbing pain. If this occurs please contact your surgeon.

Infection

Is uncommon, however if it does occur it is usually treated with a course antibiotics

Excessive Bleeding

Uncommon, and can usually be managed by applying direct pressure to site.

Sinus Problems

In some cases the roots of upper wisdom teeth are close to the sinuses and may be opened when the tooth is extracted. This will usually heal without infection.

Jaw Weakness

Following the removal of wisdom teeth the jaw bone can become temporarily weaker, it is advised to avoid contact sports for at least 4 weeks.

Refer a Patient ?

If you’re a health professional, to refer a patient please complete our Patient Referral form. To refer yourself (if we advise a Referral form is needed), click on ‘Self-Referral’

Refer a Patient Self - Referral

Our support staff, specialist Registered nurses and surgeons are here to help.
You are very welcome to contact Anglesea OMS if you have questions, or to arrange an Appointment/Referral.