How does the treatment proceed?
Preparation:
- For a procedure under local anesthesia, you do not need to fast.
- Please bring your referral letter and a recent medication overview to your appointment.
- Do you take blood thinners? Always inform us in advance. I will discuss with you whether (and for how long) these should be temporarily stopped.
- The costs and any reimbursements by the health insurance will be discussed with you before the treatment.
The procedure:
- Anesthesia: You will receive a local anesthetic in the mouth. The procedure should be painless, although you may feel some pressure.
- Removal of the tooth, molar, or root remnant:
- Often the gum is slightly loosened to reach the tooth or molar.
- Sometimes a small drill is required to remove the tooth or molar in several parts.
- Closure: The wound is closed with dissolvable stitches that fall out on their own after about 10–14 days.
- Aftercare instructions will be provided immediately after the treatment, both verbally and in writing.
- In some cases, it is possible to place an implant immediately after removing the tooth, molar, or root remnant. This will be discussed with you beforehand so that you are fully informed about the procedure, the costs, and the aftercare advice.
What can you expect after the procedure?
Normal symptoms:
- Swelling: Usually most noticeable on day 2 and gradually decreases from day 3 onward.
- Pain: Can be well controlled with the prescribed pain medication.
- Difficulty opening the mouth: Due to irritation of the chewing muscles.
- Bruising: Rare, but it may extend from the cheek to the neck.
- Numbness of the lip or chin: A temporary effect after removal of a wisdom tooth in the lower jaw.
- Slight bleeding: Especially during the first hours; the saliva may remain slightly pink for up to 24 hours after the procedure.
- Pain medication: Start taking the prescribed painkillers before the anesthesia has completely worn off.
- Cooling: During the first 24 hours, regularly cool the cheek using a cold pack.
- Oral hygiene:
- Do not rinse your mouth during the first 24 hours.
- After that, rinse with the prescribed mouthwash.
- Continue brushing your teeth, but avoid the wound area as much as possible. Use a soft toothbrush.
- Diet:
- Avoid hot, hard, or spicy foods.
- Choose foods such as yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, or applesauce.
- Lifestyle guidelines:
- Avoid smoking and alcohol during the first week.
- Avoid heavy lifting, straining, and sports during the first week.
When should you contact us?
Please contact us if you experience:
- Heavy or persistent bleeding that does not stop after 30 minutes of pressure with a gauze
- Increasing pain or swelling after day 4
- Fever above 38.5°C
- Persistent numbness in the lip or chin after several days
- Increasing difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth
We are available by telephone for questions or concerns. In case of an emergency outside office hours, you can contact the on-call oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
