Patients in Port Credit area avoid complications with wisdom teeth extractions

Pulling a tooth is a virtually routine procedure for the dentist. However, Dr. Rina Kotecha understands that it is a bit more stressful on the other side of the chair. She shares this information to help patients throughout the Port Credit area avoid potential complications from wisdom teeth extractions.

What could go wrong?

Dr. Rina is well trained and experienced in wisdom teeth extractions, so postoperative recovery is generally nothing to worry about. However, there is some chance of a condition called dry socket. A blood clot should form naturally at the site of the extracted tooth. If that clot is dislodged, bone is exposed causing pain and inflammation.

If dry socket occurs, it is within five days of the procedure. In addition to discomfort, you may have a foul taste and smell in the mouth. Don’t worry, just call Dr. Rina. The situation is easily resolved with a packing medication.

More serious complications are possible, but they are rare. Prior to the procedure, Dr. Rina will discuss risk of nerve injury, sinus perforation, damage to adjacent teeth, lingering numbness, or jaw trauma.

Minimizing risk of complications

The recovery period usually lasts just a few days. To minimize risk of complications and speed healing:

• Take over the counter or prescription analgesics as directed by Dr. Rina.
• Be careful not to bite your tongue, lips, or inside of cheeks while still numb.
• Do not touch or rub the extraction site with your tongue or fingers.
• Bite gently on a clean gauze pad (switch to a new one when it becomes blood soaked) for the first 24 hours.
• Rest with head propped up on pillows until bleeding stops.
• Reduce physical activity for a day or two, since it can increase bleeding.
• Place on ice pack on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours. Every 20 minutes remove it for at least a half hour.
• Apply moist heat for the next few days.
• Eat soft foods initially, gradually progressing to a normal diet as the wound site heals.
• Do NOT drink with a straw for two to three days. It could loosen the clot.
• Do not smoke for at least 24 hours. You risk dislodging the clot from the sucking motion or spitting. Plus, smoking brings contaminants and germs into the wound.
• Gently rinse your mouth with a salt water solution (one teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of warm water) several times a day, beginning 24 hours after the procedure. Continue to brush your teeth and tongue normally, but rinse and spit gently.

By following these instructions, recovery from wisdom teeth extractions is usually uneventful. Do you have more questions? Call Dentistry on 10 at (905) 455-9262 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rina.

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