Before the procedure
- Avoid smoking from the day before if at all possible.
- Eat before you come; you must not arrive on an empty stomach.
During the procedure
How long the procedure takes depends on the number of teeth to be removed; we can give you an estimate so you can plan your day accordingly.
It is painless: you mainly feel pressure and vibration, and you hear noises or cracking sounds that can seem strange. This is perfectly normal.
In the hours that follow
- Be careful not to bite yourself until the anaesthetic has fully worn off.
- Apply ice as soon as possible (place a cloth between the ice and your skin), 20 minutes every hour for 2 days.
- No tobacco while the wound is healing.
- Rest as much as you can; no strenuous physical activity for 24 hours.
- Avoid any sucking or drawing movements over the wound(s).
- Follow your prescription carefully and sleep with your head raised.
In the days that follow
Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is the key to fast, high-quality healing.
- For the first 3 days: gently apply Hyalugel healing spray to the operated area(s), and carry on brushing as usual without toothpaste in the areas that are not sore.
- Start mouthwashes 48 hours after the procedure, letting the liquid sit without swishing.
Diet
- Stick to cold or lukewarm food for 48 hours to avoid bleeding.
- There is no absolute restriction: the stitches are there to protect the wound(s).
- Eat whatever you can manage, preferably semi-liquid and easy to chew, with no grains or seeds.
- Avoid spicy, very salty or vinegary food.
Normal after-effects
- Difficulty opening your mouth for a few weeks: this will gradually come back.
- Possible swelling and bruising: this is a normal inflammatory reaction.
- You may experience sensitivity to cold: this is temporary.
- Tender gums: keep using the mouthwash and the healing gel if needed.
- Light spontaneous bleeding may occur: if necessary, apply pressure with a gauze pad for 1 hour.
- Bleeding when brushing over the stitches is normal; brush gently. The stitches are dissolvable and may fall out on their own.
If you are worried
If you experience unbearable pain, prolonged bleeding or any sign that worries you, do not hesitate to contact your dentist. If the practice is closed, call the on-call doctor or on-call dentist (on Sundays and public holidays you can obtain the list from the departmental dental council).
Swelling or bruising may occur, although this is not common.
