Post-Operative Instructions

Please read these instructions carefully:

Common sense will often dictate what you should do, and not all of these instructions will apply. When in doubt, please call our office for clarification.

Bleeding

Bite down gently but firmly on the gauze packs. Pressure must be enough to compress the guaze onto the extraction socket. Make sure the gauze is pressing directly over the surgical site and not too large that it is biting in-between adjacent teeth.

Change the gauze every half hour for the first couple of hours or as needed. Intermittent bleeding or oozing is normal. Continue to use the gauze if you need to.

If bleeding persists or becomes heavy, soak a tea bag in water, wrap it in gauze and place it over the surgical site without disturbing for 30 minutes. If bleeding remains uncontrolled, call our office.

Swelling

You can minimize swelling by using ice or a cold pack wrapped in a towel and applied firmly to your face adjacent to the surgical site 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for the first 24 hours. Take any anti- swelling medicine if prescribed. Do not use heat in the area.

Diet

A soft diet is recommended after surgery. Avoid hot foods and foods like nuts, popcorn, sunflower seeds, etc. that may get lodged in the sockets. Drink plenty of liquids, but do not use a straw for the first week.

Advance your diet over the next several days at your own pace. Do not skip meals. If you are diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits as much as possible.

Pain

Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. You will usually be given a prescription for pain medication. Try to take a pill before all the numbness wears off.

It is best to eat something before you take the medication, to avoid nausea. If you do not receive relief, you may supplement with Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen).

Mouth Rinse

Begin salt-water rinses starting the next day after surgery. Use one- quarter teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gently rinse and gently spit. Do it at least two to three times daily for the next week. Measure the salt; more is not better. No spitting or rinsing for the first 24 hours.

Brushing

You may begin brushing the following day, but be very careful around the surgical area.

Sharp Edges

If you feel sharp edges in the surgical areas with your tongue those are probably the bony walls that originally supported the teeth. If sutures were placed, they often feel sharp to the tongue. Occasionally, small slivers of bone may work themselves out during the first week or two after surgery. Please call our office if you are concerned.

Smoking

No smoking. No vaping.

Sleeping

Keep your head elevated while sleeping for the first 24 hours to help reduce bleeding and swelling. It is a good idea to use old pillow cases because it is normal to have blood tinged saliva and drooling for the first few days.