Can the operation be performed despite a cold?
The removal of wisdom teeth is a complex surgical procedure that involves many risks. Therefore, this operation should only be performed on patients who do not have any infectious disease, such as a cold. This weakens the body and the body’s own defence system, which means that bacteria can multiply very quickly and lead to inflammation. This is especially important when removing wisdom teeth in the upper jaw, because the teeth there have a close spatial relationship to the so-called maxillary sinuses. If these are irritated and inflamed in the course of a cold, bacteria can get from the maxillary sinus into the tooth wound.
Accompanying symptoms after the operation
Pain and swelling are the typical accompanying symptoms after surgery. However, both can be treated well with cooling and painkillers. At the same time, the opening of the mouth may be restricted and problems with eating and speaking may occur.
These symptoms subside relatively quickly. In rare cases, the sensation of taste and the sensitivity of the oral mucosa may be reduced. Post-bleeding from the wound usually occurs in the first few days due to excessive physical activity.
The pain after the operation should be within normal limits and improve significantly after a few days. As a rule, they can be controlled very well with painkillers (e.g. ibuprofen). A slight cooling of the operated side, even during the night, can relieve pain.
If severe pain persists for more than three days, this may indicate an acute inflammation in the operated area. In this case, the treating physician should be consulted as soon as possible. The drug Aspirin (ASS, acetylsalicylic acid) should not be used before or after an operation to combat pain, as it has a blood-thinning effect.
On the one hand, the diluted blood can cause secondary bleeding from the wound and on the other hand, it can cause heavy bleeding during the operation. Swelling in the area of the wound and the cheek are normal reactions of the body. At the same time, a bluish discoloration of the cheek can occur.
This is also known as a “bruise” or bruise and is caused by the escaping blood. Multiple, slight cooling of the affected area can reduce the swelling. Inflammation after the operation can occur, but is relatively rare.
As a preventive measure, smoking should be avoided even before the operation. Thorough oral hygiene is also recommended. This should also be continued after the operation.
After difficult, very bloody operations or if the patient is known to have a tendency to inflammation, the prescription of an antibiotic from the group of penicillins (e.g. amoxicillin) can be useful. This reduces the risk of inflammation. The medication should be taken for at least seven days.
Swelling can be minimized by following a few simple rules of conduct. Light cooling within the first 48 hours after the operation relieves pain and swelling. Cold gel pads can be wrapped in a towel.
The cooling measures should be applied several times a day and not longer than 15-20 minutes. If possible, cooling should also be done at night. Never place the cooling substances directly on the skin for a long time (danger of hypothermia!).
At the same time you should take care of your body, move as little as possible and speak and chew as little as possible. At night, a raised sleeping position is recommended, whereby the upper body should always be slightly raised. In this position, blood pressure and pulse decrease, so less blood comes out of the wound.
Occasionally, slight post-operative bleeding from the wound can occur. If this occurs, the blood should be spat out (not swallowed!) and the mouth rinsed with cold, clear water.
If the bleeding does not stop on its own, a clean cloth handkerchief (not a paper or tempo handkerchief) can be used to press lightly on the wound several times for about 10 – 20 minutes. The pressure prevents further blood from escaping and promotes stopping the bleeding. Slight bleeding from the nose may occur after the removal of wisdom teeth in the upper jaw.
Post-bleeding that lasts for several days or does not stop on its own should be treated by a doctor immediately.Slight, superficial pus formation in the wound area is not considered to be a problem. These should disappear within a few days with the help of disinfecting mouthwashes (chlorhexidine). In the case of heavily suppurating wounds, these must be re-examined, cleaned and disinfected by the attending physician.
At the same time, thorough oral hygiene should be ensured. Headaches after the operation can sometimes occur. In most cases, a reduced fluid intake is the cause.
The working noises (vibrations, drilling noises, cracking, etc.) can be transmitted from the jaw to the skull. This can cause slight headaches on the day of the operation as well as the following day.
Sore throat after the operation is very rare. If general anesthesia is used, placing the breathing tube can lead to a dry, irritated throat with sore throat. Sucking sweets, as well as sufficient drinking can quickly relieve the symptoms. If escaping blood is swallowed, this can also lead to irritation of the throat mucosa.
