Having your wisdom teeth removed can be a nerve-wracking experience, not just because of the surgery itself but also due to the potential for post-surgical complications. It’s important to know which common issues may arise after wisdom teeth removal so that you can take steps to avoid them. Here is what you need to know about Wisdom Teeth Aftercare and how to manage any potential complications during recovery.

What Are Common Complications from Wisdom Teeth Removal?

The most common complication from wisdom teeth removal is pain or discomfort at the surgical site. While this is normal, severe or long-term pain could indicate infection. Another complication that can occur is swelling in the jaw area, which is usually controlled by ice packs applied to the face every 15 minutes for 15 minutes each time. In rare cases, bleeding may become excessive and cause dizziness or faintness. Some patients may experience temporary numbness in their lips, chin, or tongue due to damage done during the surgery. Finally, a dry socket—a painful condition where healing fails in an extraction site—is a possible albeit uncommon complication of wisdom tooth extraction.

How Can I Avoid These Complications?

To reduce your risk of experiencing any complications after having your wisdom teeth removed, you must follow all pre-and post-operative instructions issued by your oral surgeon carefully. Your doctor will likely give you detailed instructions on how to care for yourself before and after surgery as well as medications needed for pain relief and infection prevention if necessary. Following these instructions diligently will go a long way toward preventing complications during wisdom tooth extraction recovery.

Post-Operative Care Tips

In addition to following all pre-and post-operative instructions given by your oral surgeon closely, there are several other steps you can take at home to promote a safe recovery from wisdom teeth removal:

• Get plenty of rest – Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep each night and avoid strenuous activities such as lifting heavy objects until advised otherwise by your doctor;

• Adhere strictly to diet restrictions – Eating soft foods such as yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, smoothies, etc., that don’t require much chewing is recommended;

• Maintain good oral hygiene – Brush regularly with a soft-bristled brush (avoiding the surgical sites), use mouthwash twice daily and floss gently when permitted;

• Apply cold compresses – Applying cold compresses periodically throughout the day helps reduce swelling;

• Use medication properly– Follow instructions closely when taking prescribed medicines like antibiotics or ibuprofen/Tylenol combinations.

When Should I Call My Doctor?

Although it’s normal to experience some discomfort or pain after having your wisdom teeth removed, it’s important to contact your doctor immediately if you have a fever above 100°F (37°C), severe headache/nausea/vomiting/dizziness along with redness & swelling at the incision sites, excessive bleeding beyond the 5th day after tooth extraction, sudden progression of facial asymmetry & difficulty opening your mouth completely. These symptoms may indicate an underlying problem such as infection or dry socket that requires immediate medical attention!

Conclusion

Having your wisdom teeth removed can be stressful, but taking proper precautions before and after surgery coupled with following your dentist’s guidelines should help ensure a quick & uneventful recovery process!