After Impacted Teeth Removal

1. The removal of impacted teeth is a serious surgical procedure.  Post-operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and the complications of infection and swelling can be minimized if the instructions are followed carefully. 
2. Keep bandages in for 2 hours with good pressure.  Then remove bandages and check surgical area for bleeding.  If bleeding persists, place fresh gauze over the area with good pressure for 1 hour.  Repeat for 1 more hour if needed.  
3. Drink plenty of liquids, but try to avoid liquids with caffeine in them.  They will only continue to dehydrate you.
4. Once the bleeding has stopped, get something to eat.  Choose wisely. Try to avoid chewing near the surgical area if possible. You can eat whatever you feel like, except for sharp or spicy food (ex: steak, chips, popcorn). You can move on to more solid foods as you heal and have less discomfort.  Remember make sure your food isn't too hot, cold, spicy, or crunchy as these might increase your discomfort or healing time. 
5. Begin brushing and salt water rinsing (½ tsp salt with 8oz of warm water) the day AFTER surgery.   Rinse 3-4 times a day, after you eat and before you go to bed at night for the next several weeks, or until the surgical area has healed completely.
6. Swelling around the surgical area(s), lips, cheeks, or eyes is a normal part of recovery.  Ice the area for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for 72 hours.  Icing PREVENTS swelling.  It will not take swelling away once it has occurred.  The 3rd - 4th days of recovery are usually the worst.  Maximum discomfort and swelling have occurred by this time.  Icing and doing the salt water rinses as instructed will help to decrease pain and swelling.   Take prescribed medicine as directed, but try to wait until you can tolerate solid food.  The medicine, especially the one for pain, can cause you to have nausea or vomiting.  Having some food in your stomach may help to prevent this.
7. If you have dissolvable sutures, they can take 3-4 weeks to dissolve, give or take some time.  Try not to pick or prod at them as your might irritate the surgical site. 
8. Some bruising might occur around the eyes, cheeks, or neck but don't be alarmed. Once again, this is a normal part of surgery and the healing process.
9. Patients who received general anesthesia should return home from our office immediately upon discharge and lie down with the head elevated until all the effects of the anesthesia have disappeared.  Anesthesia effects vary by individual, and you may feel drowsy for a short period of time or for several hours.  You should not operate any mechanical equipment or drive a motor vehicle (including ATV’s, dirt bikes, etc.) for at least 24 hours or longer if you feel any residual effects from the anesthesia.  Do not use appliances or equipment that could be dangerous such as power tools, stoves, burners or lawn mowers.  Watch out for dizziness.  Walk slowly and take your time.  Sudden changes of position can also cause nausea, dizziness or even fainting.  Do not drink any alcoholic beverages.  The drugs in your body may increase your reaction to alcohol and could be dangerous.