INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING DENTAL SURGERY
- Bite firmly and continuously on the gauze that was placed in your mouth after the surgery. Bite for at least one hour. If you need to change the gauze, fold up 1 to 3 pieces until they fit where the tooth was and bite down to apply press. After one hour, discard the gauze.
- DO NOT go home and lie down. Sit in a chair or prop yourself up so your head is upright.
- If advised by the doctor, you can place an ice bag or towel with ice in it next to the extraction site to reduce swelling. If you do so, 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off. Do not apply ice for more than the first 12 hours after surgery.
- DO NOT spit, suck through a straw or smoke for the next 24 hours. These actions will suck the blood clot from the tooth and cause a dry socket (infection).
- DO NOT smoke for 24 hours. Then try to reduce smoking for the next 3-5 days after the extraction.
- You may resume normal eating and drinking after the anesthetic has worn off. A softer diet may help if there is irritation at the extraction site.
- You should keep your mouth very clean during the healing phase after the extraction. Brush and floss normally. If the area is sensitive, try warming your toothbrush under hot water before brushing to soften the bristles.
- Rinsing with warm salt water is also helpful. Dissolve a level teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and gently rinse after meals.
- DO NOT engage in strenuous exercise, get plenty of rest!
- If you had medications prescribed by the doctor, be sure to take them as you were instructed.
- Be sure to resume a good diet. It is important to get proper nourishment following surgery.
BLEEDING:
Some oozing from the extraction site is normal. If it seems like too much, use some of the gauze you were given and fold a new piece to fit into the space where the tooth was, and bite for another hour. If you still have some oozing, wet a tea bag with warm water, squeeze out the excess water, and bite on the tea bag as you did the gauze. If you still have heavy bleeding, or if the tissue is very dark red in color, call our office.
SWELLING:
Some swelling is normal following surgery. It normally goes away in 3-5 days.
BRUISING:
You may have some discoloration (black and blue areas) on the face or neck near the extraction site. They will change color and go away in 7-10 days.
PAIN:
There may be some discomfort following oral surgery. DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN, it promotes bleeding. Take Tylenol or Motrin at first. If you were given a prescription, take this to relieve the pain.
TEMPERATURE:
If you develop a temperature after the extraction, contact our office.
NAUSEA:
Some people will develop nausea following oral surgery. If so, drink a small amount of carbonated soft drink or bicarbonate of soda and warm water. Resume a soft, bland diet.
OTHER COMPLICATIONS:
If you experience any other complications, contact our office.
