After Tooth Extraction

Home care is a very important part of treatment following Oral Surgery. The following instructions are recommended to keep you more comfortable and to shorten the healing period.

Bleeding

Some bleeding is normal following oral surgery. Gauze packs will be provided to apply pressure to the area of oral surgery. Steady pressure should be maintained by biting on tightly rolled gauze packs for one hour. The pack should be placed so that pressure is applied directly to the extraction site and not between the remaining teeth. Blood Tinged Saliva is not unusual the first day. Avoid spitting , smoking, or other actions which may tend to dislodge the blood clot that will form. If bleeding persists or should it resume at a later time, repeat the above procedure. If bleeding is not controlled by several such attempts, contact this oral surgery office.

Swelling

Swelling is common following oral surgery, particularly after removal of impacted teeth. Ice bags applied over the area of oral surgery during the first 48 hours may help minimize swelling. After 48 hours, MOIST heat should be applied to the area to help reduce the swelling more rapidly. This is best accomplished by applying a hot-water bottle wrapped with a moist, hot towel, or a heating pad. (Be careful not to scald area.)

Rest

Adequate rest is necessary for healing to progress normally. Bed rest is recommended the evening following oral surgery with the head elevated on several pillows. No strenuous physical activity should be attempted for 48 hours.

Diet

No food or liquids should be taken for the first hour following oral surgery. Avoid hard, irritating foods such as popcorn, peanuts, potato chips, etc. and extremely hot foods. Eat soft nourishing foods such as soup, jello, custard, ice cream, fruit juice and milk. A good fluid intake is essential. Do not take fluid through a straw. Avoid smoking the evening following oral surgery.

Discomfort

A certain amount of discomfort is to be expected. This should be effectively relieved by using the prescribed or recommended pain medications. On the day following oral surgery, being rinsing gently four (4) times daily with a warm salt water solution (this solution should be made with 1/4 teaspoon of salt in eight (8) ounces of warm water) or diluted mouth rinse. Vigorous rinsing and attempts to clean the area of surgery must be avoided to prevent dislodging of the blood clot which is necessary for healing.

Other Conditions

Stiffness of face muscles and difficulty in opening the mouth may occur. Heat applications and salt water rinses as directed above will relieve this condition.

Discoloration resembling a bruise may appear. This is due to sight hemorrhage into the tissues at the time of oral surgery. This should cause alarm and will disappear in several days.

Denture or Partial

If a denture or partial denture has been placed, do not remove it until the following day. Then begin removing it twice a day, rinse mouth gently with warm salt water, clean the denture, and then replace it.

Prescriptions

All narcotic pain medications refills must be obtained during oral surgery office hours.