Are Bruises Normal After Wisdom Teeth Removal? (5 Additional Complications)
By
Dr Shivam Jha
This blogpost will help you understand about “Bruises after wisdom teeth removal”. And will also include the following topics: Why are wisdom teeth removed?
How wisdom teeth are removed
Recovery-Wisdom tooth removal
6 Common Complications After Wisdom Tooth Surgery
Post-surgical instructions-bleeding and bruising
Home care instructions after wisdom tooth removal
Bruises after wisdom teeth removal, are they normal?
It is normal to have some bruises and discoloration after a wisdom tooth removal since it is a traumatic surgery. But there is nothing to worry, these bruises will go away as the healing takes place which takes up to a few weeks.
Why are wisdom teeth removed?
If the wisdom teeth are impacted but not really causing any complications, they normally don’t need to be removed. This is due to the fact that there is no demonstrated benefit and there is a chance of complications.
Wisdom teeth that have been impacted or haven’t fully erupted through the gum surface might induce dental complications in some cases. Food and bacteria can become stuck around the edges of wisdom teeth, resulting in plaque build-up, which can cause:
tooth decay (dental caries)
gum disease (also called gingivitis or periodontal disease)
pericoronitis – when plaque causes an infection of the soft tissue that surrounds the tooth
cellulitis – a bacterial infection in the cheek, tongue or throat
abscess – a collection of pus in your wisdom teeth or the surrounding tissue as a result of a bacterial infection
cysts and benign growths – very rarely, a wisdom tooth that hasn’t cut through the gum develops a cyst (a fluid-filled swelling)
Many of these problems can be treated with antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwash.
Wisdom teeth removal is usually recommended when other treatments haven’t worked.
How wisdom teeth are removed
Your dentist may extract your wisdom teeth or refer you to a professional surgeon for treatment in the hospital.
The procedure will normally be discussed with you prior to the treatment, and you may be requested to sign a permission form.
To numb the region around the tooth, you’ll normally be given a local anaesthetic injection. Just before the tooth is extracted, you’ll feel some pressure as your dentist or oral surgeon works to enlarge the tooth socket by rotating the tooth back and forth.
Sometimes a minor cut in the gum is required, and the tooth may need to be broken into smaller pieces before being extracted.
The removal of wisdom teeth can take anything from a few minutes to 20 minutes, or even more in difficult cases.
You may experience swelling and discomfort both within and outside your mouth after your wisdom teeth have been removed. Mild bruising might also be seen on occasion. The first three days are generally the worst, although it can last up to two weeks.
Recovery-Wisdom tooth removal
It can take up to 2 weeks to recover from the surgery for having your wisdom tooth or teeth removed.
During this time, you may have:
A swollen mouth and cheeks: this will be worse for the first few days but will gradually improve; gently pressing a cold cloth to your face helps reduce the swelling
Some mild visible bruising of your cheek:the skin may be bruised for up to 2 weeks
A stiff, sore jaw:this should wear off within 7 to 10 days
Pain:this is worse if the extraction was difficult or complicated
An unpleasant taste in your mouth
Tingling or numbness of your face, lips or tongue (although this is uncommon)
Report any excess bleeding, severe pain or any other unusual symptoms to your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.
6 Common Complications After Wisdom Tooth Surgery
When a wisdom tooth does not have enough room to grow, it can cause pain, infections, and other dental issues. The most common treatment option is tooth extraction. After wisdom teeth removal, many individuals develop short-term post-operative problems, which can be simply resolved.
Here are some of the complications you may experience and their effective remedies.
Pain
After wisdom teeth extraction, pain is indeed pretty much inevitable. Pain medication prescribed by a doctor is typically beneficial in reducing post-surgery discomfort. Take your first pain reliever as soon as the anaesthesia wears off, ideally within the first six hours.
Make sure you take your pain relievers according to your dentist’s instructions. If the discomfort persists after many hours and multiple pain relievers, contact your dentist.
Bleeding
After surgery, expect to bleed for up to 48 hours. Your mouth is also likely to generate a lot of saliva in an attempt to stay moist and fight infections.
Place a pack of gauze over the injured region and bite firmly onto it to contain the blood and saliva. You can replace the gauze as needed.
Check that the gauze is on top of the surgical site if the bleeding persists. Apply pressure on top of the painful area rather than clenching your teeth.
Sit in a chair straight or at an angle if changing the gauze and applying pressure does not stop the bleeding. Bite for at least an hour while using cold packs and gauze on the region. To stimulate blood clotting, apply a damp tea bag to the affected region for several minutes..
Swelling
If you detect swelling on and around the operation site, don’t be worried. This normally goes away within two to three days of the procedure. To reduce swelling, wrap an ice pack in a towel and put it firmly on the cheek at 20-minute intervals for at least 24 hours after surgery.
Be sure to take any swelling-control medicine as directed by your dentist.
Bruising
Bruising and discolouration around the operation region are common in the first two to three days after surgery.
Place moist heating packs or heated towels on the afflicted region 36 hours after surgery to reduce discomfort, bruising, and discolouration.
Vomiting
After surgery, nausea and vomiting can be caused by pain drugs, discomfort, and blood. Eat a little bit of food before or after taking your pain medication to help reduce these effects. To mask the taste of medication or blood in your mouth, drink sweetened beverages like juice.
If you’re still experiencing nausea, try switching to over-the-counter pain relievers. If this does not help, make an appointment with your dentist.
Dry Lips and Sore Throat
During surgery, the corners of your mouth may be pushed out, causing cracks and dryness. Lip balms and ointments are widely accessible to moisturise your lips.
Surgery to remove wisdom teeth may make swallowing difficult. While this symptom normally goes away on its own in a few days, you can speed up healing by utilising at-home treatments like honey, garlic, chamomile tea, or licorice root, among others.
During the first few hours following wisdom teeth extraction surgery, you may most certainly suffer a plethora of unpleasant sensations. You may be able to recover swiftly with adequate mouth cleanliness, nutritional foods, and loving care.
Post-surgical instructions-bleeding and bruising
Following surgery, a certain amount of bleeding is to be expected. It’s typical to have a slight amount of bleeding, leaking, or redness in the saliva for 1 or 2 days. Keep in mind that a lot of saliva and a small amount of blood might appear to be a lot of bleeding. In the extraction socket, a blood clot should develop. This is a common occurrence during the healing process. It is critical to remember this if the bleeding seems abnormal or if there are any bleeding concerns, patients should contact their dentist.
Blood thinners are used to prevent or treat conditions such as strokes, blood clots, and heart attacks. It’s necessary for patients to tell their dentist if they’re using any of these drugs. Before surgery, it may be required to alter these drugs. This is due to the increased risk of bruising and, more crucially, excessive bleeding in patients taking these drugs.
Bite with constant firm pressure on wet gauze, folded into a 2 inch square, and put over the surgical site for about 2 hours immediately after surgery. Every 30 to 45 minutes, the gauze should be replaced. The usage of gauze for an extended period of time or changing the gauze too frequently might cause bleeding to persist. It is good to sit upright or elevate the head to reduce bleeding. In the event that patients experience bleeding while sleeping, they should cover their pillowcase.
Exercising or engaging in intense activities should be avoided for three to five days following surgery to avoid excessive bleeding. During the first 24 hours, it’s also crucial to avoid vigorous washing, spitting out, or drinking with straws. After surgery, patients are not allowed to smoke. All of these actions have the potential to dislodge a blood clot. Bleeding may persist or healing may be delayed if the blood clot is removed.
Bruising or discoloration of the skin can occur 2 or 3 days after surgery, however this is uncommon. This is usually a minor condition. These patients may notice a discoloration of the skin on the operation side that is black, blue, green, or yellow. These changes in colour may spread down the neck, or individuals may have “black eyes.” The use of moist heat to the affected region may hasten the recovery of the bruising and discolouration.
Home care instructions after wisdom tooth removal:
Bleeding
Following the extraction of your teeth, a gauze compress was applied to the site, and you were instructed to keep your jaws locked tightly for 30 to 45 minutes. To control bleeding, you’ll probably need to replace the gauze every 30 to 45 minutes. To ensure that bleeding is managed following surgery, please use gauze for many hours. When you retire to bed, bleeding should be least (gauze should not be required when you sleep).
Dry socket
The early destruction of the blood clot causes a dry socket. This usually happens on the third or fifth day following surgery. Females are more likely to have it. Patients who smoke or have medical disorders that hinder healing are more likely to develop it. You are more prone to have a dry socket if you overexert yourself physically. Increased pain and a bad taste in your mouth are two signs that you may have a dry socket. The ache usually radiates to your ear. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your surgeon so that they can assist you with it.
Diet
It is recommended that you drink plenty of water and eat a soft diet. Hot beverages should be avoided since they may disintegrate the blood clot early. Don’t consume alcohol since it can interact with pain relievers and affect the effects of other drugs you’re taking. For the first 5 to 7 days, we recommend soft, thick, and creamy meals. Avoid popcorn, grainy foods (such as raspberries), and anything else that might get trapped in the extraction sites. For at least one week after surgery, avoid spitting, drinking through straws, and smoking.
Irrigation syringe
Use the supplied syringe to wipe out the extraction site starting 5 days following surgery.
For using this, face a mirror and draw your cheek back to see the operation site. Place the tip of the syringe near the operation site and rinse with warm water. As long as debris builds in the area, this should be done after meals and before bedtime.
Medications
Prescriptions should be followed exactly as written. They’re prescribed to help with pain management. The discomfort will lessen as the body heals. As the discomfort subsides, you can reduce the number of times you take pain medicine.
Oral hygiene/mouthwash
Brush your teeth gently.Brush just the crowns of your teeth as you get closer to the surgery locations. Brush your teeth as often as possible and keep your mouth as clean as possible. If the doctor has recommended a prescription-strength mouthwash. Begin rinsing your mouth 48 hours after your procedure.
Physical activity
For the first five days after surgery, you should avoid any activity that raises your heart rate. When you engage in strenuous activity that boosts your heart rate, your chances of developing “dry socket” rise..
Stitches (sutures)
Your stitches have been placed to control bleeding and encourage healing. These dissolve on their own in 10 to 14 days.
Swelling
Almost every tooth extraction results in some swelling. This is how nature starts the healing process. After the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, the swelling is typically fairly severe. Applying an ice pack for up to 48 hours at a time may help to minimise inflammation. In 36 to 48 hours, the swelling will normally be at its peak. Note: Do not blow your nose for one week after having your top wisdom teeth removed, since this might cause issues during the healing process.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is it normal to bruise after wisdom teeth removal?
Yes, it is normal to bruise after wisdom teeth removal. This is nothing to worry about and will go away in 1-2 weeks.
How do you get rid of bruising after oral surgery?
To minimize bruising, and discoloration, use moist heating packs or hot towels to the affected area 36 hours following surgery.
How long do gum bruises last?
Gum bruising can last upto 1-2 weeks.
What are signs of infection after wisdom tooth extraction?
Signs of infection after wisdom tooth extraction include continued or abnormal bleeding even after 24 hours, persistent pain or swelling for more than 3-4 days.
How do I know if a dry socket is forming?
Pain and a bad taste are the two major signs of dry socket. The pain is often radiating towards the ear. If you feel you have a dry socket, you should contact your dentist.
Other FAQs about Teeth brushing that you may be interested in.
Should you drink water in the morning before brushing?
Brushing your teeth with charcoal powder?
Can you brush your teeth with hydrogen peroxide?