I’m extremely dental phobic, so I’m really grateful to have the option to be sedated for my wisdom teeth removal! I have a weird concern though. Last year my cousin saw a sedation dentist for her surgery, and a few days later she had bruises on both cheeks, and couldn’t open her mouth more than an inch or so. I helped her through the healing so I saw her during the worst bit. Why did this happen, did they do something wrong? She thinks they were too rough. Is this going to happen to me too? If I’m under sedation I won’t really know what happens to me.
Brandi
Hi Brandi,
Great question. Your concern is understandable–no one wants to see a loved one go through any type of discomfort. You sound like a supportive friend, and your cousin was fortunate to have you there!
As to your questions, there are a few things to take into consideration:
Post-Operative Bruising Is Common
During the course of treatment for the surgical extraction of third molars (wisdom teeth), the doctor and the assistant may need to retract tissue to be able to access the site. They will be as gentle as possible while still adequately protecting your cheek, lip, tongue, and opposing dentition. This contributes to bruising, which commonly occurs between two to three days post-treatment. The bruises may grow, spread down toward the jaw/neck, and change colors becoming green and yellow as they dissipate. This is a familiar part of the healing process and does not indicate any cause for concern.
Swelling Is Also Common
Some swelling after your oral surgery is to be expected and is not in and of itself a cause for concern. Your team may send you home with an ice pack, or you may choose to buy some and use them at home. You can start the cold applications as soon as you leave the office if you wish. This will help control the swelling. Be sure to hold the ice packs against your cheeks for approximately 10-15 minutes at a time, with ten-minute breaks in between to allow your skin to rest. Cold applications help for around eight hours, and can be discontinued after that.
Jaw Stiffness Is Common As Well
Following the removal of third molars, some jaw stiffness–called trismus–is normal and common. This is related to the swelling discussed above, especially when it occurs in and around the jaw muscles, and the stretching of the jaw joint during surgery. These may lead to a limited ability to open wide, which may last between days to a week or so. Following the first day of cold packs, a warm moist heat may be used which will ease the jaw muscles. If it does not resolve within two weeks, give the office a call.
Will This Happen To You?
Every case is different of course, but the short answer is yes, it may. These are normal and common conditions during healing, you may expect to see swelling and bruising to some degree following wisdom teeth extraction. You will be provided with home-care instructions, detailing how best to care for yourself at home during this healing.
Did the other office “do something wrong” or treat your cousin roughly because she was under dental sedation? That’s difficult to say, of course, without having been there, but the overarching answer is: probably not. Since these are such common post-operative occurrences, your cousin’s dentist likely practiced with professionalism and care during her treatment under sedation. All patients maintain the right to be treated with dignity and integrity, whether alert or sedated. Having a dentist you trust is important. Don’t let this fear stop you from achieving the care you deserve.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.