Our goal is for your healing process after an extraction to be as comfortable as possible. The removal of teeth is a surgical procedure, and post-treatment care is imperative. Please follow all instructions carefully to avoid any unnecessary pain and possible infection. If you have any difficulties or concerns following your surgery, please do not hesitate to contact us.
A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following a surgical procedure. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. The use of pressure best controls bleeding. You may control excessive bleeding by placing a clean gauze pad over the area and biting firmly for thirty minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding has not decreased in 3-4 hours, bite on a dampened tea bag placed directly over the surgical site. The tannic acid in the tea helps the blood clot.
The amount of swelling generally expected after an extraction depends on the type of surgery. Swelling around the mouth, cheek, eyes, and side of the face is not uncommon. The swelling sometimes may not appear immediately and may occur up to 2-3 days after surgery. You can help to minimize the swelling by applying ice packs to the affected area. For the first 3 hours, use ice packs directly on the area, alternating on for 20 minutes then off for 20 minutes. Applying ice after 24 hours has no beneficial effect. If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days, there is no cause for alarm. If the swelling is significant, you may use a moist heat compress to help suppress it.
Post-treatment pain will be the most severe on the first day after surgery. It is beneficial to take your pain medication before your numbness wears off. For moderate pain, you may take 800mg of Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) every 4-6 hours. For severe pain, take the prescribed medication that we provided. DO NOT take the pain medication on an empty stomach as nausea may result. The prescribed medication may make you drowsy. DO NOT drive an automobile or operate machinery and AVOID alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more each day. If pain persists, it may require attention, and you should contact our office.
If you have been placed on antibiotics, take the medication as directed. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction. PLEASE NOTE: If you take birth control pills, they will be inactivated by the antibiotic.
If there is nausea or vomiting following surgery, DO NOT take anything by mouth for at least an hour, including the prescribed medication. You should then sip on water, tea, or juice. Sip slowly over fifteen minutes. You can begin taking solid foods and the prescribed medication when nausea subsides.
If you required any sutures, they will dissolve on their own in 7-10 days. It will not be necessary to return to the office for sutures to be removed.
Over-exertion may start or intensify your pain. AVOID excessive work or play. It is not necessary to stay indoors following uncomplicated surgery. However, rest and minimal activity will help to minimize pain, swelling, and bleeding. Regular activity may be resumed the following day as tolerated.
Do not rinse or spit vigorously for the first 24 hours following surgery. You can brush your teeth the night of surgery but rinse gently. The day after surgery, you should begin rinsing four times a day after eating. Do this gently so as not to dislodge the blood clot. To rinse, mix a teaspoon of salt and a cup of warm water. DO NOT use a nonprescription rinse for 24 hours after surgery. Clean the rest of your mouth as usual.
It is advisable to eat only soft, non-spicy food the first few days following surgery. AVOID hot food or liquid that could agitate the already inflamed area. AVOID rice, grits, and very small foods that may become lodged in the area.
Trismus (stiffness) in the face muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a period of days. Moist heat compresses can minimize this condition. You may experience aching from other teeth. This discomfort is caused by referred pain and is a temporary condition. It is not unusual to develop bruising in the area of the extraction. There may be a slight elevation in temperature for 24-48 hours. If the fever persists, please get in touch with our office.
A “dry socket” is the loss of the blood clot in the socket. This condition creates delayed healing at the extraction site and presents symptoms such as pain in the ear, chin, adjacent teeth, and jaw. The discomfort usually begins about the 3rd or 4th day after the surgery and can last many days. The cause of a dry socket is unknown, but it can be attributed to the difficulty of the surgery, increased age, medications (such as birth control pills), and smoking. Treatment is for symptoms only.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with us with any questions.
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