Frequently Asked Questions

Wisdom Teeth FAQ

What is a dry socket?

A dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, occurs when the underlying bone and nerve endings become expose to air, food, and fluids, causing significant pain and delayed healing.

It is thought to occur when the blood clot, which protects the underlying bone and serves as a foundation for new tissue to grow, becomes dislodged, dissolves, or fails to form. Symptoms generally develop around 3-5 days after surgery.

If you experience this, let us know and we will bring you in for an evaluation and treat as necessary!

Does pineapple juice help with swelling?

The short answer is: it might, but the scientific evidence is limited and mixed.

• Pineapple juice does contain an enzyme called bromelain that has anti-inflammatory properties. However, studies supporting its anti-inflammatory effect use concentrated bromelain supplements taken in capsule/tablet form, not juice. In fact, the juice contains a very small amount of bromelain but contains a large amount of sugar and acid which can irritate oral wounds and increase bacterial growth.
• Your surgeons will provide you with medications both through your IV (if you had IV sedation) as well as prescriptions to your pharmacy that will better help to reduce swelling after surgery. But remember: swelling is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and repair; and it will go away, we promise!

Do I have holes in my mouth?

Depending on how your teeth came out, you may have openings at the extraction site. These will slowly close over time and are nothing to worry about.

Dental Implant FAQ

What foods are safe to eat after surgery?

• Remember to avoid chewing directly on your implant/bone graft site for ~6 weeks after surgery.
• Recommendations: Scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, protein shakes, ice cream, jello, pudding, cottage cheese, pasta, soups, well cooked meats and veggies, pancakes, soft french fries.

AVOID chips, nuts and popcorn!

Did my implant fall out?

We hope not! There are three possible scenarios if you do not see your implant in your mouth

Socket Preservation FAQ

What if my stitches fall out?

Stitches are placed to help re-approximate the soft tissues after surgery and generally last about 7-10 days. However, since the stitches are absorbable, the rate of breakdown varies based on many individual factors. Sometimes the stitches fall out early and sometimes they last longer than the estimated 7-10 day timeframe, and that is OK! We will not have to re-place them if they come out sooner than expected.

Did my bone graft fall out?

After bone grafting, it is normal to feel bits of the bone graft, which may feel like sand or grits. This is likely just parts of the graft that your body does not need, and is very normal. It does not mean that the bone graft has failed!

What now? When can I get my tooth?

Bone Grafting: It is crucial to wait a minimum of 3-4 months (sometimes longer depending on the extent of grafting) prior to re-evaluation for implant placement as this is how long it takes for the site to heal and the bone to consolidate. Implants: Once the implant is placed, it takes about 3 months for the implant to undergo a biologic process called osseointegration, which is when the implant is strong enough to support the mouth’s biting forces. You will see your surgeon again 3 months after implant placement for final re-evaluation and if everything looks good, we will notify your general dentist that you are ready for your crown! The timeline from tooth extraction with socket preservation to final restoration with your crown/tooth is generally ~6 months.