EXTRACTIONS: POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
- DO NOT DISTURB THE WOUND: In doing so you may invite
irritation, infection and/or bleeding. Be sure to chew on the
opposite side for 24 hours and keep anything sharp from
entering the wound.
- DO NOT SMOKE FOR 12 HOURS: Smoking will promote
bleeding and interfere with healing.
- BRUSHING: Do not brush your teeth for the first 8
hours after surgery. After, you may brush your teeth gently, but
avoid the area of surgery.
- MOUTH WASH: Avoid all rinsing for 24 hours
after extraction. This is to insure the formation of a healing
blood clot which is essential to proper wound healing.
Disturbance of this clot can lead to increased bleeding or the
loss of the blood clot. If the clot is lost, a painful condition
called dry socket may occur. You may use warm salt water or mild
antiseptic rinses after 24 hours only if prescribed.
- DO NOT SPIT OR SUCK THROUGH A STRAW: This will
promote bleeding and may dislodge the blood clot causing a dry
socket.
- BLEEDING: When you leave the office, you will be
given verbal instructions regarding the control of postoperative
bleeding. A rolled up gauze pad will be placed on the extraction
site and you will be asked to change this dressing every 20
minutes or so depending on the amount of bleeding that is
occurring. It is normal for some blood to ooze from the area of
surgery. We will also give you a package of gauze to take with
you to use at home if the bleeding should continue. Should you
need to use the gauze at home, remember to roll it into a ball
large enough to cover the wound. Hold firmly in place, by biting
or with finger pressure, for about 20-30 minutes. If
bleeding still continues, you may fold a tea bag in half and
bite down on it. Tea contains Tannic Acid , a styptic, which may
help to reduce the bleeding. Please be sure to inform us prior to
your appointment if you have bleeding problems or are taking
blood thinning medications such as Warfarin or Aspirin.
- PAIN: Some discomfort is normal after surgery.
Analgesic tablets ( i.e. Advil, Tylenol etc.) may be taken
under your dentist's direction. Prescription medication, which
may have been given to you, should also be taken as directed. If
pain continues, call your dentist.
- SWELLING: This is normal following surgical
procedures in the mouth. After 2-3 days, the swelling should
begin to recede. If swelling persists or interferes with your
ability to eat or talk or swallow, do not hesitate to call our
office. To prevent swelling, apply an ice pack or a cold towel to
the outside of your face in the area of the extraction during
the first 12 hours. Apply alternately, 20 minutes on then 20
minutes off, for an hour or longer if necessary.
- DIFFICULTY IN OPENING MOUTH: You may have difficulty
opening your mouth. This is because the jaw muscles become stiff
from holding your mouth open during surgery. It usually lasts 3
to 4 days. Massage the jaw muscles gently. Apply moist heat for
10 minutes, remove for 10 minutes and repeat. Eat soft
nutritious food like eggs, milk shakes, juices, soup (warm, not
hot), pasta, rice, bananas. Do not force your mouth open.
- DIET: As stands to reason, liquid and soft foods are
recommended for the first couple days (ie- milkshakes, yogurt,
soups, mashed potatoes, bananas...) Also, please take all
medications as directed, since they are prescribed to not only
control discomfort, but to reduce swelling and infection. It is
a very good idea to begin taking medications prior to the
numbness wearing off to allow you a smooth transition and
comfort. Eat normal regular meals as soon as you are able after
surgery. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids.
As always, please call to report any unusual occurrences.