I. Why should I bite the cotton roll after wisdom tooth extraction?
After tooth extraction, the cotton rolls placed at the extraction wound are used to stop the bleeding. After biting gently for 40 minutes to 1 hour, it is important to discard all of them. It can be removed by gently pushing it out with the tongue or with your fingers.
In fact, most teeth can form a blood clot relatively quickly after extraction, and at this time, even without biting and pressing the cotton roll, the bleeding can be stopped successfully. If the bleeding still occurs even if the cotton roll is bitten lightly, the pressure may not be in place and the position of the cotton roll needs to be adjusted or the volume of the cotton roll needs to be increased until the extraction wound is completely covered and the bleeding is completely stopped. In conclusion, the key to stopping bleeding with cotton roll compression is whether the bleeding is effectively stopped; whether the bleeding is effectively stopped? The patient himself can feel it.
Do I need to apply cold compresses after wisdom tooth extraction?
Cold compresses are generally not needed after wisdom tooth extraction. For more complicated wisdom tooth extraction, the surgeon may recommend applying cold packs to the cheeks after the procedure to cut open the gums and remove the bone tissue. It is important to apply cold compresses intermittently to avoid frostbite to the skin. On the third day after tooth extraction, stop applying cold compresses.
3. Do I need to take painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication after wisdom tooth extraction?
After tooth extraction, patients will feel pain in the trauma; the degree is generally mild and can be tolerated by most patients. If the pain is severe or unbearable, oral painkillers such as fenpropathrin can be taken. Anti-inflammatory drugs (antibiotics) are usually not necessary after tooth extraction. Most of the post-operative swelling of the cheek, restricted mouth opening and low fever are normal post-operative reactions, and if the degree is not serious, there is no need to take medication. Patients are not advised to take antibiotics on their own. If there is obvious swelling, pressure and even spontaneous pain in the operated area after extraction, the surgeon should be consulted promptly and decide whether to take antibiotics under the guidance of the surgeon.
IV. When can I brush and rinse my teeth after wisdom tooth extraction?
For about 24 hours after tooth extraction, you should never rinse your mouth, let alone brush your teeth, otherwise it will destroy the blood clot inside the extraction wound, or cause bleeding, or lead to prolonged and severe pain in the wound, i.e. dry socket, and you may need to re-treat the wound after local anesthetic injection again. In order not to destroy the blood clot in the extraction wound as much as possible, for 24 hours after tooth extraction, besides not rinsing and brushing, you should not suck on the extraction socket, not licking and pressing the extraction socket with tongue, not smoking, not sucking drinks with straw; talk as little as possible; do not spit frequently, and try to gently swallow the saliva with blood. Brushing and rinsing must be resumed on the evening of the next day after tooth extraction, i.e. about 24 hours after surgery. Even if the swelling of the operated area is obvious, the opening of the mouth is restricted and swallowing is painful, you must brush and rinse your teeth. Good oral hygiene facilitates the healing of the extraction wound. Brush to the area close to the operated area and be gentle.
V. Can I drink and eat after wisdom tooth extraction?
You can drink and eat after wisdom tooth extraction. Generally, you should wait until the anesthetic has worn off and you feel normal again (about 2 hours after the extraction) before drinking and eating liquid food. Within 24 hours after extraction, it is recommended to eat warm, cool, liquid or semi-liquid food that can be swallowed directly, such as thin porridge, tofu brain, soaked soft bread, etc. Hard and hot foods must be avoided, otherwise they will irritate the extraction wound and cause pain and bleeding. After two days of tooth extraction, you can gradually resume your normal diet.
VI. When will the bleeding stop after wisdom tooth extraction?
On the day after tooth extraction, when the cotton rolls used to compress the bleeding are discarded, the bleeding from the extraction wound may be obvious, sometimes “full of blood”; even a small amount of blood may seep from the extraction socket or blood may be mixed with saliva within one to two days after extraction. This is a normal phenomenon and there is no need to be nervous. You should always swallow the saliva with blood in it. You should not spit frequently.
VII. When should I start the exercise?
Tooth extraction is a minor surgery and you can usually resume your normal life, including strenuous exercise and playing musical instruments, after a day of rest. In other words, under normal circumstances, you can resume exercise, even if it is relatively strenuous, on the day after surgery, not counting the day of surgery; in other words, if you have a tooth extraction today, take a day off tomorrow, and go running, playing ball, or swimming the day after.
VIII. In what cases do I need to see the doctor?
In the following cases, please contact the doctor for a timely review.
1. The bleeding does not stop after surgery and there is a large blood clot in the mouth.
2.The pain is still severe three days after surgery, even affecting sleep at night.
3.The swelling in the operated area is still obvious one week after surgery, with no sign of subsiding.