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POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

While each patient is different, the following may occur after dental extractions; all of which are considered normal.

 

  • The surgical area will swell and may increase in size for 2-3 days and remain swollen for 7-10 days.
  • Tightness of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth and may persist for 7 days or more days and will resolve over time. 
  • You may have a slight earache or develop a sore throat. This will subside in 2-3 days.
  • Numbness may be present near the corner of your mouth or tongue on the side from which the tooth was removed. 
  • Bruising may develop in the area of an extraction.
  • If the corners of your mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack.  Your lips should be kept moist with a cream or ointment.
  • There may be a light rise in your temperature for 24-48 hours after surgery.  If temperature continues, please contact us.
  • The area where the tooth was extracted will gradually fill in; however, this process takes time.

      

Post-operative care is very important following surgical removal of teeth. Unnecessary complications can be minimized if the instructions below are followed carefully.

 

We are here to assist you. Please call our office with any questions or concerns.

 

GAUZE 

Change gauze every 20 minutes until active bleeding has stopped; usually 1- 1½ hours after surgery.  Fold gauze into a thick pad and place directly on the extraction site(s).  Apply moderate pressure by closing your teeth firmly over the gauze.  Remove the gauze when eating or drinking.

 

 

BLEEDING

In some cases, oozing of blood persists for several hours or sometimes longer.  Remember that one drop of blood mixed with saliva may lead you to believe that your bleeding is much worse that is actually is. 

  1. If bleeding is extremely heavy, sit upright and remove surplus blood clots by wiping the area clean with gauze
  2. Place several folds of clean gauze or a moistened teabag over the bleeding area
  3. Bite against the gauze or teabag for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the bleeding is controlled
  4. If this does not control the bleeding, repeat the procedure, and then call our office.

 

DO NOT….smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, spit or drink through a straw for 24 hours.  These activities can dislodge the clot and cause additional bleeding and delayed healing.

 

DO NOT….clean the teeth next to the extraction site(s) for the rest of the day.  You should, however, brush and floss your other teeth.

 

LIMIT strenuous activity for the first 3 days following surgery.

 

SWELLING 

It is common to experience temporary swelling after extractions.  This may last 3-5 days.  Swelling may increase the first few days and last up to a week.  To minimize swelling, apply and ice pack over affected area 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for 6-8 hours the day of surgery.

 

RELIEF OF PAIN

For mild pain, an over the counter medication (like Tylenol) may suffice.  For more severe pain, a prescription will be provided.  Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach.  Do not drink alcohol or drive a motor vehicle while taking prescription pain medication.

 

RINSING 

After the first post-operative day, gently rinsing is advised.  Use a warm salt water rinse, (1/2 tsp, salt/glass of water) following meals to flush out particles of food that may lodge in the operated area.

 

DIET 

The day of surgery, drink lots of liquids and eat soft, nutritious foods.  An adequate diet is important during the healing process; foods like eggs, cottage cheese, custard, Jell-O, yogurt, soups, ice cream, etc.

 

NAUSEA AND VOMITING

Although unusual, both can be experienced after oral surgery. Most often, these are reactions to medication rather then to the surgery itself.  If you’re taking medication and are nauseated and or vomiting, discontinue the medication immediately.  If the problem persists, call our office.

 

ELIMINATION

Keep bowel movements normal.  If necessary, take a mild laxative.

 

SUTURES

Most sutures will dissolve on their own and do not need to be removed unless are so advised.

 

DIZZINESS AND FAINTING

 

Although not common, some patients feel dizzy and occasionally will faint when taking prescription pain medications. We strongly recommend that they have someone stay with the patient immediately following their procedure and for several hours after surgery.  When a person faints, he or she will initially appear pale, feel sweaty to the touch, and his/her eyes may roll back which can result in a loss of consciousness.  Should these warning signs occur, the patient should be placed in a prone position (laying flat, face up) and his/her feet elevated.  Usually, after just a matter of seconds, the patient should feel alert and be cognizant of his/her surroundings.

If a patient faints, we request that you call our office immediately so that the doctor can be alerted and advise you regarding the patient’s care.

 

 

OTHER POST SURGIGAL CONDITIONS 
  • If numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue occurs there is no cause for alarm. As stated before surgery, this is usually temporary in nature. You should be aware that if your lip or tongue is numb, you could bite it and not feel the sensation. So be careful.
  • Occasionally, patients may feel hard projections in the mouth with their tongue. They are not roots; they are the bony walls, which supported the tooth. These projections usually smooth out spontaneously. If not, they can be removed by the doctor.