Treatment:

After the surgery follow the post-operative instructions both written and verbally given by your dentist.(get davids post op instructions here)

Risks & Complications:

Even with the highest standards of surgical practice, there are risks associated with all surgical procedures which makes wisdom tooth surgery no different. Although your dentist/surgeon will make every attempt to minimise risks, complications can still occur with some being permanent. It is important you understand and weigh up the risks with the benefits before treatment. The following possible complications are listed below to help you make an informed decision regards the potential risks that can occur. They are not to scare you, but to help you make a well-informed decision. It is not an extensive list with all the possible complications. It is important to inform your dentist of all your medical history, medications you are taking, your occupation and any concerns to help the dentist provide a personalised risk complication information that is specific to you.

This is an expected and common complication after third molar surgery. It is a normal tissue response to the shock that the tissues underwent during the procedure. The onset of which is gradual with maximum swelling usually occurring after 48 hours (2 days) after surgery. Usually the swelling will die down by the 4th day and complete resolution by 7 days. Ice packs may help with comfortability for the patient. If this does not occur contact your local dentist or go to the emergency department of your local hospital.

The post-surgical pain begins when the effects of the local anaesthesia wears off this is usually 6-12 hours after the surgery. To decrease this, it is it is advised that the patient take Panadol and/or Nurofen before the local anaesthetic wears off. Make sure you follow the instructions and dosages that the manufacture specifies. Use the section at the bottom of the post-operative instructions to record the time at which you had the medication to keep track of type, amount and when the medication was taken. This is provided to help reduce the chance of accidental overdose.

Nerve damage to the lingual or inferior alveolar nerve (show photo) that run close to the lower wisdom teeth is one of the least desired complications of this procedure. This can happen even though the surgery was successful, and all care was taken to avoid injury to major nerves. The incidence of this injury ranges from 0.4% to 22% with most of these injuries having spontaneous recovery. It occurs due to the natural position of the lower molar lying close to the nerve. Which in these situations the nerve may become bruised on removal of the lower wisdom teeth. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and loss of feeling in teeth, gums, cheeks, lips, chin, tongue and around the jaw. If the lingual nerve is damaged, there is a risk of altered taste sensation. Speech may be affected in some cases. If a nerve is injured, it will usually heal with 96% of cases resolving after four to eight weeks. It is important during this time that you keep hot foods and drinks away from numb areas and be careful not to bite the lip or tongue. In some people, complete healing of the nerve may take a bit longer to heal (six to eighteen months). In rare cases, the nerve may not heal completely, and numbness or altered sensation may be permanent. If feeling is reduced in the tongue, lips or face, it may affect your speech, taste or even your ability to play woodwind or brass instruments. This can create major problems for some patients, especially if it affects their daily work. If this applies to you, tell your surgeon so these risks can be discussed.

In rare cases, an injured nerve may heal poorly, and pain may persist or recur without diminishing. This can happen even though the surgery was successful, and all care was taken to avoid injury to major nerves. It is not fully understood why some nerves react in this way. The pain in these cases can sometimes be difficult to treat. Inform your local dentist of this pain for advice and management, which often involves specialist care.

Pain or discomfort when opening your mouth is common after removal of a third molar (wisdom tooth). This usually resolves by the end of the first week in line with when the swelling goes down.

Your body temperature may be slightly raised after surgery. It usually goes back to normal after 12 – 24 hours. A fever that lasts longer may be an indication of an infection or other problems. You should contact your local dentist or go to the emergency department of your local hospital. As you may be required to have antibiotics. Tell your dentist or surgeon if you have any allergies or allergic reaction to any antibiotic or other drug.

Excessive bleeding can occur during or after the procedure. During the procedure, your oral health practitioner will be able help stop bleeding (achieving haemostasis) by following certain procedures and techniques. However, it is important you inform you oral health practitioner of any previous issues you have had with bleeding and/or any medications taken for your blood. This will help them be better prepared for this complication. Bleeding may be started by too much exertion or by vomiting after procedure. It can be stopped by placing gauze over the wound and applying pressure by biting gently on the gauze for 15-30 minutes like you did in the dental chair. If the severe bleeding does not stop, contact your local dentist, or go to the emergency department of your local hospital.

While the impacted tooth is being removed, the tooth or filling on the neighbouring tooth can be chipped or loosened.

If having general anaesthesia or conscious sedation, you may feel lightheaded and vomit while recovering from the effects of the anaesthetic.

Your sinuses are air sacs that connect to your nose. The maxillary sinus sits just above your top teeth. In some cases, a sinus may be opened when a wisdom tooth is removed. The treatment required will depend on the size of the hole. If the opening is small, it can usually heal without further treatment. If it is larger it may require specialist management to close the hole. (Oro-antral Communication information here)

Removal of an impacted wisdom tooth can cause the jawbone or maxillary tuberosity to become temporarily weaker or fracture. If there is fracture of the maxillary tuberosity there is risk of excessive bleeding (haemorrhage), tearing the maxillary sinus lining (an air sac near the nose), as well as changing the shape of the bone ridge which may affect replacement options later on in life. If this happens further surgery may need to be required by a specialist. On the other side, the lower jaw might break at the time of the surgery or during the weeks or months afterwards, while the jaw is still healing. Avoid contact sports for at least four weeks. It is important to note that these are rare events.

After any extraction of a tooth, a blood clot will form over the bone. This clot is like a scab on an arm. It is important for proper healing and pain relief. If the blood clot is washed away or dissolves, the bone will be exposed to the mouth. This is call alveolar osteitis or a dry socket and usually occurs a few days after the extraction. This pain is not fun, often being described as worse than the pain from the initial toothache. It is a constant, throbbing pain that may last for many days. If you have pain like this contact your dentist/surgeon. However, the best management is prevention. Therefore, follow the (dry socket information here) to learn how to help avoid this situation.