SMOKING AFTER WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL
the day of your surgery
Surgery for wisdom teeth removal in mobile al is considered an outpatient surgery. This means you will leave the same day the surgery takes place. Depending on the position and status of your wisdom teeth, you may receive local anesthesia or sedation during the surgery. If you receive general anesthesia, you will be in a recovery room following surgery. It takes longer to wake up when anesthesia is involved. Your dentist or oral surgeon will discuss which type of sedation will be used.
The feeling in your mouth slowly returns as you wake up after surgery. Minor pain and swelling is to be expected immediately following surgery. You may notice small amounts of blood in your mouth the first day of recovery. You use an ice pack to help alleviate the pain or swelling. The dentist will also provide instructions regarding your medications. This could include prescription or over-the-counter pain medication.
Once you wake up and feel comfortable, you will be sent home. You should plan to have someone with you who is able to drive you home. This is especially important and required for patients who undergo general anesthesia. You will not be allowed to drive while the drugs are leaving your system.
Following surgery, you can eat soft foods, but should avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking. You should also avoid the use of a straw as it can cause complications.
Long-term recovery
Most patients fully recover from wisdom teeth surgery after just a few days. For impacted teeth or other complicated surgical procedures, it can take a full week to recover.
You can resume your regular activities the day after surgery. It is important to avoid activities that could compromise the stitches or the blood clot that forms over your wound. These types of activities can include strenuous exercise, smoking, eating hard or crunchy foods and drinking from a straw. While minor pain, swelling and bleeding is normal and expected after wisdom teeth removal, you should contact your dentist right away if the pain or bleeding is excessive.
Home care
It is critical to use caution and take care of your mouth after surgery in order to avoid infections and complications. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to properly clean and protect your mouth when you are discharged. Many dentists encourage patients not to brush, rinse or floss the day of surgery as this helps ensure your mouth properly heals.
Common cleaning instructions include rinsing your mouth with a saline solution to help keep the wound clean. Do not spit the water out when you rinse, but instead gently tilt your mouth over the sink, allowing the water to run out. Gently blot the wound with gauze, which will be provided by the dentist, to absorb any blood.
These activities should be avoid during the recovery period: anything strenuous that could dislodge your stitches or blood clot, smoking, spitting and drinking from a straw.
Pain management
The primary method used for managing pain and reducing swelling is to use an ice pack. In addition, you are encouraged to take the recommended pain medication. Your dentist will provide instructions on how frequently you can use the ice pack. Be sure not to place the ice pack directly on your face, as it can lead to a painful ice burn. The dentist will also advise the frequency, type and amount of medication to take.
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