Post-Operative Instructions for
Oral Surgery / Extractions
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
- DO NOT smoke for 72 hours.
- DO NOT rinse for at least 24 hours after the surgery.
- DO NOT exercise or do heavy lifting for 3 to 5 days after the surgery.
- DO NOT close your nose and mouth if you have to sneeze or cough - it increases the chance of complications.
- DO NOT use a straw when consuming liquids; the sucking action will cause a vacuum in the mouth, and may dislodge the clot that is forming.
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WHAT TO EXPECT FOLLOWING ANY SURGERY
Bleeding: A gauze compress has been placed over the surgical wound and should be kept in place with light pressure for at least 30 minutes. During the first two hours after the extraction, gauze should be kept in place to control the bleeding. Following removal of this gauze, some oozing is normal and to be expected for 24 hours. It is normal to see some blood in the saliva even a day or two after surgery. If the bleeding is more than an ooze, gently wipe away any excess blood. Place a new, wet gauze roll directly over the surgical site for not less than 30 minutes to control the bleeding.
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SPITTING AND RINSING ON THE DAY OF SURGERY CAUSES BLEEDING! DO NOT SPIT OR RINSE ON THE DAY OF SURGERY! Additionally, any exercise, including excessive talking or walking, may prolong bleeding. Rest quietly and keep your head elevated (2 pillows) following surgery. Call if unusual bleeding persists.
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Swelling: Swelling is part of the healing process and can be expected after oral surgery. The degree of swelling is extremely variable and generally takes a day or so to reach its maximum, and then a number of days to return to normal. An ice pack should be applied to the face, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, for the first 36 hours. Use warm moist heat after 72 hours.
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Pain: If a pain medication has been prescribed, use it as directed. Because pain medication may cause drowsiness, do NOT drive or operate equipment while on medication. After 3 or 4 days, if slow improvement is not noticed, or pain is increasing, return to the dental office. Over the counter pain medicines, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can be utilized to control most post-operative pain.
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Rinsing and brushing: DO NOT rinse on the day of surgery. Begin brushing teeth with a soft toothbrush the day after surgery – just be very gentle at the surgical site. Avoid gargling. You can gently rinse with salt water after 24 hours (1 tsp salt per 8oz of warm water) - be very gentle to avoid dislodging the blood clot.
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Antibiotics: If antibiotics are prescribed, make sure you take all the pills as prescribed. Antibiotics therapy can render birth control pills ineffective.
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Diet: Start with a soft diet (mac and cheese, mashed potatioes, jello, yogurt, ice cream, etc) for the first day and slowly work up to solid foods. Avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes, orange juice, soda and citrus fruits. Drink plenty of fluids.
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Boney Edges: Small bone fragments may work through the gums during the healing process: these are NOT roots. If troublesome, return to the dental office for simple removal. Generally, these will work their way out on their own in time.
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Numbness: As previously explained, some numbness of the lip(s) or tongue may occur. If it persists for more than a few hours, please call the dental office.
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Tobacco: No smoking or tobacco products for 7 days following surgery. Smoking and use of tobacco products will almost certainly increase your chances of having a post-operative problem. Additionally, if taking any antibiotics, no alcohol for 7 days.
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WHEN SHOULD YOU NOTIFY THE DOCTOR
- If profuse bleeding continues after 3-4 hours of applied pressure
- If you are unable to maintain a nutritious diet after 48 hours.
- If the pain and/or swelling increases after the third day.
- If an oral bandage or sutures (stitches) become dislodged prior to the third day.
- If you have an allergic reaction to medications such as:
- Skin rash
- Hives
- Elevated temperature
- Increased and/or erratic heart rate
- Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
- Dizziness/fainting
- Blurred vision
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If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office at 651-452-2116.
