What post wisdom teeth removal medications and wisdom tooth care should I take for wisdom tooth surgery?

Medications and instructions will be given by the surgeon post wisdom teeth removal and these should be remembered and written down if possible. The patient should adhere to the instructions given to avoid unnecessary worry and distress.Common post wisdom teeth removal medications include anti-infective agents like antibiotics and an antiseptic mouthwash. Painkillers and sometimes anti-swelling medications might also be given.

Antibiotics may or may not be given and if started, the patient has to complete the course which is normally 5-7 days. Common antibiotics given are amoxicillin, augmentin or metronidazole. Clindamycin or erythromycin might be given if you are allergic to the penicillins. The antibiotics are a preventive measure against infection post wisdom teeth removal. 

Painkillers can be taken as and when necessary but studies have shown the pain to be better controlled if the patient takes the painkillers right after the wisdom tooth surgery before the anaesthesia wears off and continues taking the prescribed dosage for the day and the day after. Common painkillers are paracetamol (acetaminophen), non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and opioids like codeine or tramadol. Sometimes the painkillers might have a combination of two of the mentioned classes or more.

Anti swelling medications like serratiopeptidase are normally most effective in the first three days post-operatively. It is also important to note that post wisdom teeth removal, there will be substantial swelling for some individuals.

The most effective and henceforth most commonly prescribed mouthwash are mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine. But the recommended maximum duration of use is about two weeks as it can cause staining of the teeth and temporarily alters taste bud sensation. For those who has remaining wisdom tooth or opts to not remove them, meticulous wisdom tooth care must be implemented to reduce the chances of food trap and infection. Wisdom tooth care involves thorough cleansing and irrigation of any food trap areas and good oral hygiene.

Post wisdom teeth removal and wisdom tooth care precautions that should be taken note of are as follows.

1). Avoid excessive rinsing or gargling of mouth.

2). Avoid excessive spitting of excess saliva and blood in mouth. Try to swallow your saliva as per normal.

3). Take cool liquid to soft diet as tolerated.

4). Avoid driving or operating heavy machineries if you are taking any sedatives or medications that makes you drowsy or interferes with your motor reflexes.

5). Do not tug at or pull at the sutures or stitches at the operative site.

Will I bleed or have any severe pain after or post wisdom teeth removal?

   

Post wisdom teeth removal bleeding and pain are two of the most common worries that a patient might have after a wisdom tooth surgery or any dento-alveolar surgery for that matter. The other sequelae worth taking note of is post operative swelling.

There is normally minimal bleeding or oozing post-operatively after a wisdom tooth surgery. However in some cases, a moderate amount of bleeding will be seen and simple direct pressure with gauze will be enough to stop the bleeding. You should firmly bite on the gauze for about half an hour to an hour before replacing the gauze if necessary. An important point to take note of is to make sure that the gauze is placed firmly and directly at the surgical site and NOT beside it. If the bleeding continues despite your attempts, it may be wise to consult your surgeon.

Pain is generally well controlled with painkillers and if you are worried about pain, it is probably recommended to take the prescribed dosage of painkillers regularly rather than waiting for the pain to come before taking them. If and should you have severe pain which affects your daily activities, you should consult your surgeon.

This article is written and contributed by an oral surgeon and any duplication, reproduction or plagiarism in any form is strictly prohibited without the author’s permission.

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