Surgical Instructions
Here at West Allis Smiles Dental, we are dedicated to ensuring that our patients are informed about their treatments, so they can feel prepared and comfortable at all times. To do this, we have provided surgical instructions for several of our treatments. We encourage you to review these instructions prior to your treatment. Dr. Richard J. Schabowski and our team can discuss these instructions with you further, and answer any questions during a consultation. To schedule your appointment with our dentist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, please call us today at 414-645-0303.
After Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth is one that is lodged into the jaw bone and does not erupt properly. In many cases, this happens because there is not enough room for the tooth to erupt normally within the upper or lower dental arch. If left untreated, an impacted tooth can cause a variety of dental problems later on.
After Dr. Schabowski has removed an impacted tooth, it is normal to have some discomfort and minor swelling. To help alleviate these side effects, we recommend that you apply a cold compress or icepack to the treated area in 20-minute segments. We can also provide you with prescription pain medication, which you should always take as directed.
Eat a diet of soft foods until the extraction site has healed.
If you have any questions about how to care for your mouth after a surgical procedure, or about impacted teeth in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we encourage you to contact West Allis Smiles Dental at 414-645-0303. We can help answer your questions and provide additional instructions.
Before Anesthesia
At West Allis Smiles Dental, our dentists and team are highly trained and experienced in administering anesthesia during surgical procedures. We carefully monitor your status throughout your treatment to ensure that you remain safe and comfortable. While we do our best to ensure your safety, it is important that you review the instructions below to prepare for receiving anesthesia.
Prior to receiving anesthesia:
- Do not drink or eat anything for at least 8 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time
- Do not use tobacco products or smoke for at least 12 hours before your surgery time
When you come in for your scheduled surgery time, you will need to bring someone with you to drive you home once your treatment is complete.
On treatment day:
- Wear comfortable clothing, with no jewelry, dentures, or contact lenses
- Discuss any medications you take with Dr. Richard J. Schabowski prior to your surgery
If you have any questions about preparing for your surgical treatment, we invite you to contact our team at 414-645-0303. Our caring team and dentists in La Crosse, Wisconsin, are here to help in any way.
After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Removing wisdom teeth is a surgical procedure, and it does require some recovery time post-treatment. In order to help you prevent complications after your treatment, such as infection, we encourage you to follow our post-operative instructions carefully.
Once your procedure is complete, our dentist will use a gauze pad to help control and stop bleeding at the extraction site. Leave this gauze pad in place for at least 45 minutes post-surgery. You can change out the gauze pad if you are still bleeding after the initial 45 minutes.
When you return home from your surgery, be sure to:
- Avoid drinking with a straw or rinsing your mouth, as this can cause the blood clot to become loose and result in dry socket.
- Rest and participate in minimal activities. Keep your head elevated to help stop bleeding and lessen swelling.
- Follow the instructions for any pain medications
If you have any questions as to how to care for your mouth after wisdom teeth removal, or to schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Richard J. Schabowski, our dentist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we invite you to contact West Allis Smiles Dental today at 414-645-0303.
Multiple Tooth Extractions
The procedure and recovery for removing one or two teeth is fairly quick and simple. However, if a patient requires multiple tooth extractions in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, our dentist will need to take some additional steps to prepare for your treatment. In most cases, Dr. Richard J. Schabowski will need to shape your jawbone to help prepare you and your mouth for receiving dentures after your surgery.
Once your teeth have been extracted, you may experience:
- Large amounts of swelling throughout the mouth and face, possibly around the eyes.
- Discoloration around the eye area. To relieve this, use a warm compress.
- A sore throat and other muscle soreness.
- Dry and cracked mouth
After a multiple-tooth extraction, most patients will have a follow-up appointment with our dentist within the first 48 hours. This is to ensure that your recovery is going smoothly. We encourage you to follow all and any post-operative instructions that our dentist and team provide to give you the most comfortable and positive experience possible.
For additional information about multiple tooth extractions, we invite you to contact West Allis Smiles Dental at 414-645-0303 and set up a consultation with Dr. Schabowski.