The removal of impacted teeth is a serious surgical procedure.

The following guidelines will help to minimize the pain, swelling or inflammation.

Immediately following surgery

• The dressing should be kept in place over the wound pressing for at least one hour.
• Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing, this may initiate bleeding by causing the blood clot to become dislodged.
• Take the first painkiller as soon as you feel discomfort.
• Restrict your activities the day of surgery and resume your activity when you feel comfortable.
• Place ice packs to the sides of the face were the surgery was performed. Keep the ice pack 5-10 minutes every half hour.

Swelling

• The swelling will reach its maximum until the 2-3 postoperative day.
• It is a normal body response to surgery and a healing process.
• The use of cold compressors externally for the first 24 hours is very helpful.

Bleeding

• Slight bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal after surgery.
• In case of excessive bleeding, place a gauze pad or cotton over the wound and press firmly for longer than one hour. Repeat if necessary.
• If bleeding continues bite a wet tea bag for 30 minutes. The tannic acid in the teabag helps to form a clot by contracting the blood vessels.
• At bedtime use two pillows to keep your head up.
• In case of any concerns please contact the office.

Pain

• To reduce the level of pain we recommend the use of Ibuprofen (Seractil, Brufen, Advil, etc.) 3 times daily. Paracetamol tablets (Depon, Panadol etc) can be used intermediately.
• Do not take Aspirin for the first 24 hours to prevent bleeding.

Diet

• Avoid taking liquid dairy products (milk, yogurt, ice cream) for a week.
• After anesthesia is gone you can eat not too hard or hot food using the opposite side.

Antibiotic

• There is usually no need for taking a preventive antibiotic treatment. Unless it is necessary due to the general medical history.

Dry socket

• The most common complication of this procedure. It is characterized by severe pain (which usually occurs 4-5 days postoperatively) and unpleasant odor.
• It is due to the failure of clot formation in the socket and it’s of unknown origin.
• The incidence does not exceed 1-2%.
• If you notice any disturbance contact the clinic.

Other complications

• If the anesthesia of the lip or tongue insist do not worry. This is usually temporary in nature. You should be aware that if your lip or tongue is numb, you could bite it and not feel the sensation.
• Slight increase in body temperature is not uncommon. If this persists, notify the office.
• If the corners of your mouth are stretched use a lip ointment (Fucidin) several times a day.
• Trismus of the the jaw muscles can cause difficulty in opening of the mouth. This is a normal postoperative event which will resolve itself after a few days.

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid any contact to the surgical area for about 3 weeks.

Bleeding

• Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal during the first 24 hours. If there is excessive bleeding (rare in these procedures), please contact the office.

Swelling

• Swelling is a common symptom after surgery. On the second postoperative day it has acquired the maximum of it dimension.
• To reduce possible swelling apply an ice pack on the cheek in the area of surgery for 5-10 minutes every half an hour during the first 24 hours (not in sleep).

Diet

• Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid very hot food and drinks the day of surgery. For the period until removal of sutures avoid liquid dairy (milk, yogurt, ice cream) products.

Pain

• The pain typically after this surgery is very mild. Usually 1-2 tablets of paracetamol (Panadol, Depon etc) is enough.
• Good to get the painkiller shortly before the end of anesthesia.

Antibiotics

• Remember to take the antibiotic as directed.

Oral hygiene

• Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Start cleaning teeth and use the solution of chlorhexidine in the evening after surgery and then morning and evening. Keep the solution in the mouth for half a minute and then spit it out without rinsing for half an hour.
• Avoid contact with a toothbrush of the surgical area over the first month.
• Warm salt water rinses 4-5 times daily favor healing.

Activity

• Avoid vigorous activity in the first 3-4 days. Intense exercise can cause bleeding and poor healing.

Dentures

• It is advisable not to use dentures for the first 10 days, unless you are told otherwise.

Local Anesthesia

• If the operation is done under local anesthesia it is advisable not to be hungry to the appointment (light meal at least 1-2 hours before). The patient does not need an escort and may drive after surgery.

Intravenous Sedation

• Undergoing intravenous sedation avoid eating and drinking (including water) for 8 hours prior to the appointment. A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the procedure and drive the patient home.

In any case avoid tight fitting clothing, contact lenses, lipstick, intense makeup.

Stop taking vitamin formulations at least a week prior to surgery (particularly vitamins C and E).

If you have a cold, flu, stomach disorders, please contact the office on time for instructions.