Post Surgical Instructions

DAY OF SURGERY

 

FIRST HOUR: Bite down gently but firmly on gauze packs that have been placed over the surgical areas, making sure they remain in place. Do not change them for the first hour unless the bleeding is not controlled. The packs may gently be removed after one hour. If active bleeding persists, place enough gauze to obtain pressure over the surgical site for an additional 30 minutes. The gauze may then be changed as necessary (typically every hour). It is best to moisten the gauze with tap water and loosely fluff for more comfortable positioning.

 

EXERCISE CARE: Do not disturb the surgical area today. Do not rinse or probe the area. Please do not smoke for at least 48 hours, since this is detrimental to healing.

 

OOZING: Intermittent bleeding or oozing overnight is normal. Bleeding may be controlled by placing fresh gauze over the area and biting for one hour at a time.

 

PERSISTENT BLEEDING: Bleeding should never be severe. If so, it usually means the packs are being clenched between teeth only and are not exerting pressure on the surgical areas. Try repositioning the packs. If bleeding persists or because heavy you may substitute a tea bag (soaked in very hot water, squeezed damp-dry and wrapped in moist gauze) for 30 minutes. If bleeding remains uncontrolled, please call our office.

 

SWELLING: Swelling is often associated with oral surgery. It can be minimized by using a cold pack, ice pack, or ice wrapped in a towel and applied firmly to the cheek adjacent to the surgical area. This should be applied twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off during the first 24 hours after surgery. If you have been prescribed medication to control swelling, please be sure to take it as directed.

 

*PLEASE NOTE SWELLING AND BRUISING ARE NORMAL. IT MAY OCCUR ON THE THIRD DAY!*

 

PAIN: Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. Your will either be prescribed a pain medication or be advised to take an over-the-counter medication. If you take the first dose before the local anesthetic has worn off, you may be able to manage any discomfort better. Remember that the most severe pain is usually within the first 6 hours after the local anesthetic wears off.  If you find that you require large amounts of pain medication, please call our office

 

DIET: Eat any nourishing food that can be taken with comfort. Avoid extremely hot foods. Do not use a straw for the first week after surgery. Avoid foods like nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, etc. These may lodge into the surgical site. It is important to not skip meals. If you take nourishment regularly you will feel better, gain strength, have less discomfort, and heal faster. If you are diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits.

 

SHARP EDGES: if you feel something hard or sharp edges in the surgical areas, it is likely you are feeling the bony walls which once supported the extracted teeth. Occasionally small slivers of bone may work themselves out during the following week or so. If they cause concern or discomfort, please call the office.

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD DAY

 

MOUTH RINSES: Keeping the mouth clean after surgery is essential. Use ¼ teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8oz glass of water and gently rinse. You may repeat this as often as you like but especially after meals. Please dribble out salt water, do not vigorously spit.

 

BRUSHING: Begin your normal oral hygiene routine as soon as possible after surgery. Soreness and swelling may not permit vigorous brushing, but please make every effort to clean your teeth within the bounds of comfort.

 

Healing: Normal healing after a tooth extraction should be as followed:

• The first two days after surgery are generally the most uncomfortable and there is usually some swelling.

• On the third day you should be more comfortable, and although still swollen, can usually begin a more substantial diet.

• The remainder of the post-op recovery should be gradual and steady.

• If you do not see improvement, please call our office.