Post-operative care: How to care for the wound after wisdom tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is a procedure after which it is important to follow specific rules to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. In this article, you will find an overview of recommendations for the first few days after extraction, a description of normal healing, and warning signs that you should not ignore.

Regimen after wisdom tooth extraction

• We recommend rest for seven days.
• Maintain proper and regular oral hygiene (we will explain everything after the procedure).
• Do not remove the tampon we have placed in the wound, as it stops bleeding.
• Do not rinse the wound with water.
• Do not try to suck blood out of the wound.
• Avoid unsuitable foods (small, hard, overly spicy, overly cold, or overly hot foods); it is ideal to eat mushy foods for the first few days.
• Cool the wound for 24 hours after the procedure.
• You can also use painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication.
• Do not bend over unnecessarily.
• Do not drink beverages that increase blood flow to the mucous membrane (coffee, energy drinks).

What should the wound look like after tooth extraction?

The wound after tooth extraction will look different depending on the location of the tooth, the complexity of the procedure and individual factors of our patient. However, there are general signs that you can expect:

• Bleeding - Shortly after tooth extraction, there will be slight bleeding. We will place a special tampon in the wound to help stop the bleeding. It is important not to rinse the wound with water or try to suck the blood out of the area with your mouth. This is the only way to minimise the risk of further bleeding.

• Swelling after tooth extraction - Swelling in the area of the tooth extraction is a common reaction to surgery. It peaks 48 to 72 hours after extraction and should gradually subside. We recommend applying a cold compress to the swollen area for the first 24 hours.

• Pain after tooth extraction - You may experience mild pain or discomfort after tooth extraction. In most cases, common painkillers are effective. Always consult us in good time if you experience prolonged pain after tooth extraction. Similarly, pain may occur in the surrounding teeth after extraction, as a relatively extensive procedure has been performed in their vicinity.

• Stitches after tooth extraction - In some cases, it is necessary to suture the wound. If removable stitches are used, the doctor will tell you when they will be removed.

• Temporary change in taste - After tooth extraction, there may be a temporary change in taste. This usually lasts a few days and gradually returns to normal.

• White coating - You may notice a white coating on the wound, which is a normal part of the healing process. This is not a sign of infection. If you develop a fever or chills, be sure to contact us so that we can check the wound.

Possible complications after wisdom tooth extraction

If you follow our instructions for proper healing, the risk of complications is minimal. Although we perform the procedure gently and with rapid healing at our clinic, please always contact us if you experience any of the problems mentioned below so that we can address them in a timely manner.

Bleeding: In some cases, excessive bleeding occurs, which requires further treatment. Always contact us if you experience unusual bleeding after extraction.

Infection (inflammation after tooth extraction): Wound infection occurs when proper wound care procedures are not followed. Symptoms of infection include pain, swelling, purulent discharge, and fever. Therefore, in most cases, antibiotics are administered preventively after the procedure.

Damage to surrounding tissues: Damage to surrounding teeth, gums, or bone rarely occurs during more complex extractions, such as wisdom teeth. Thanks to the modern imaging technology we use, these complications are minimised.

Temporary or permanent numbness (nerve damage during tooth extraction): After tooth extraction, temporary or permanent numbness may occur in the area where the tooth was extracted, especially if nerve structures were damaged during the procedure.

Alveolar osteitis (dry socket): This is a complication that sometimes occurs when the bone socket where the tooth was previously located is exposed. This can be associated with intense pain and requires further treatment.

Haematoma (bruise): Bruising or haematomas sometimes occur in the extraction area after extraction, which is a common reaction to the procedure.

Allergic reaction: Very rarely, an allergic reaction to medications used during extraction, such as local anaesthetics or antibiotics, may occur.

Complications associated with anaesthesia: If general anaesthesia or sedation is used, there may be risks associated with these procedures, including complications with breathing or heart rhythm.