Some teeth are imbedded or positioned in the jaw in such a way that bone surgery is necessary for their removal.  This is especially true of impacted wisdom teeth.  The removal of such teeth is quite different from the extraction of erupted teeth.  The following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal:

 

1.    The area operated on may swell

 

2.    The swelling will reach its peak in about 24-48 hours after surgery

 

3.    Trismus (tightness) of the muscle may cause difficulty in opening the mouth

 

4.    You may develop a slight earache

 

5.    You may develop a sore throat

 

6.    Numbness about the corner of the mouth on the side from which the tooth was removed may develop.  This is called “paresthesia” and is a temporary condition which will correct itself.  It may persist for a few days to several months

 

7.    Your other teeth may ache temporarily.  This is known as sympathetic pain and is a transient condition

 

8.    If the corners of the mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack, or have a temporary red appearance.  Your lips should be kept moist with a cream or ointment

 

9.    There will be a cavity where the tooth was removed. This will eventually fill in with new tissue.   Black and blue discoloration may occur on the outside of the face near the area of surgery.  This occurrence is not unusual and will disappear within several days

 

10. There may be a slight elevation in temperature for 24 to 48 hours.  If this persists, notify our office