Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Surgical removal of a wisdom tooth or remains of a root
Introduction
A wisdom tooth or the remains of a root have just been surgically removed from your mouth. The
gum around the tooth or remains of the root was detached, and some bone may have been drilled
away.
The stitches usually dissolve and disappear within one to two weeks. The bone in your jaw will
eventually grow back and fill the hole. This may take several months.
Pain
The local anaesthetic will wear off within two to four hours. You may experience some pain, but
pain-killers should help to relieve it. You have been given instructions about pain relief. You may
also have been given a prescription. It is best to start taking pain-killers before the anaesthetic wears
off completely.
Swelling
Your cheek may be quite swollen after the procedure. The worst of the swelling should be over after
two days (± 48 hours) and will gradually continue to recede. This is entirely normal.
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Post-operative bleeding
The wound may continue to bleed for an hour or so after the procedure, but this will soon pass.
Your saliva may be pink the day after the procedure. If the wound starts to bleed after this, or the
bleeding increases, you should take the following measures: clean and dry your mouth with a piece
of gauze or a clean hanky. Do not rinse it! Take a second piece of gauze and fold it into a pad. If you
don’t have any gauze, tie a knot in a clean hanky. Place the gauze or hanky on the wound and bite
down on it for thirty minutes. The idea is to exert constant pressure on the wound. If it is still
bleeding after this, call us. The telephone numbers are shown at the end of this leaflet.
After-care
It is better not to rinse your mouth too often on the day after the procedure. You must clean your
teeth, but be careful when brushing the area around the wound. Soft food is advisable for the first
two days. You don’t need to miss meals. Eat normal portions at regular mealtimes. It is better to
avoid cigarettes and alcohol during the first two days as they impede the healing process and
increase the risk of complications.
When to call us
Your temperature may be slightly raised at first. If your temperature goes above 39°C, you should
call us. You should also call us if the swelling or pain in your cheek gets worse after four to five days.
We are always available to answer questions or if you are concerned.
You can reach us during office hours on +31 (0)50 361 25 61, and outside office hours on
+31 (0)50 361 61 61. The switchboard will page the on-call Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery specialist.
See also www.mka-chirurgie.umcg.nl
B101b-1704/april 2017
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