Post-Operative Instructions

Sometimes the after-effects of oral surgery are quite minimal, so not all of the instructions may apply. Common sense will often dictate what you should do. However, when in doubt follow these guidelines or call our office for clarification.

DAY OF SURGERY & Following Day

FIRST: Bite down gently, but firmly on the gauze packs that have been placed over the surgical areas, making sure they remain in place. Do not change them for a ½ hr. At that time the packs may be gently removed. If active bleeding persists, place enough new gauze to obtain pressure over the surgical site for another 20-30 minutes. Thereafter, the gauze maybe changed as necessary (typically every 20 to 30 minutes). It is best to moisten the gauze with tap water. DO NOT disturb the surgical area, rinse vigorously, or probe the area with any objects. You may brush your teeth gently. PLEASE DO NOT SMOKE for at least 4-5 days, since this is very detrimental to healing and may cause a dry socket.

EXERCISE CARE: In the first week of recovery walking, light stretching, and other activities that do not elevate your heart rate for long periods of time are acceptable. During the second week of recovery, if you are not having any complications with your surgery site, more exerting exercise including running or jogging may be resumed.

OOZING: Intermittent bleeding or oozing for up to 3 days is normal. Bleeding may be controlled by placing fresh gauze over the areas and biting on the gauze for 20-30 minutes at a time.

PERSISTENT BLEEDING: Usually means that the packs are being clenched between teeth only, and are not exerting pressure on the surgical areas. Try repositioning the packs. If bleeding persists or becomes heavy you may substitute a tea bag (soaked in warm water, squeeze and wrap in a moist gauze) for 20 or 30 minutes. If bleeding remains uncontrolled, please call our office.

SWELLING: Swelling is often associated with oral surgery. It can be minimized by using a cold pack, wrapped in a towel and applied firmly to the cheek adjacent to the surgical area. This should be applied thirty minutes on and thirty minutes off during the first 48 hours after surgery. Please do not use ice after 48 hours following surgery. If you have been prescribed medicine for the control of swelling, be sure to take it as directed.

PAIN: Oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. You will usually have a prescription for pain medication. In order to manage discomfort better, take the first pill before the local anesthetic has worn off. Some patients find that stronger pain medicine may cause nausea, but if you precede each pain pill with a small amount of food, chances for nausea will be reduced. The effects of pain medications vary widely among individuals. If you do not achieve adequate relief at first, you may supplement an over the counter medication such as Tylenol, Aspirin, or Ibuprofen in between each prescription pain pill. Some patients may even require two of the pain pills at one time. Remember that the most severe pain is usually within six hours after the local anesthetic wears off, after that your need for medicine should lessen. If you find you are taking large amounts of pain medicine at frequent intervals, please call our office. If you anticipate needing more prescription medication for the weekend, you must call for a refill during weekday business hours.

NAUSEA: Nausea is not uncommon after surgery. Sometimes pain medications are the cause. Preceding each pain pill with a small amount of food can reduce nausea. Try to keep drinking clear fluids and minimize the use of pain medications, but call us if you do not feel better. Classic Coca Cola may help with nausea.

DIET: Eat any nourishing food that can be taken with comfort. Avoid extremely hot foods. Do not use a straw for the first few days after surgery. It is sometimes advisable, but not absolutely required, to confine the first day’s intake to liquids or pureed foods (soups, puddings, yogurt, milk shakes, etc.) It is best to avoid foods like nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, etc., which may get lodged in the socket areas. Over the next several days you may gradually progress to solid foods. It is important not to skip meals! If you take nourishment regularly you will feel better, gain strength, have less discomfort, and heal faster. If you are a diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits or follow instructions given by your doctor.

SHARP EDGES: If you feel something hard or sharp edges in the surgical areas, it is likely you are feeling the bony walls, which once supported the extracted teeth. Occasionally small slivers of bone may work themselves out during the following week. If they cause concern or discomfort, please call the office.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE THIRD DAY

MOUTH RINSES: Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential. Use 1/4 teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and gently rinse your mouth. Repeat 2 or 3 times daily, or as often as you like.

BRUSHING: Begin your normal oral hygiene routine as soon as possible after surgery. Soreness and swelling may not permit vigorous brushing, but please make every effort to clean your teeth within the bounds of comfort.
HOT APPLICATIONS: Apply warm compresses to the skin over the areas of swelling for 20 minutes every hour. This will help soothe tender areas, and also help decrease swelling and stiffness.

HEALING: Normal healing after tooth extraction should be as follows: The first two days after surgery are generally the most uncomfortable and there is usually some swelling. On the third day you should be more comfortable. You may still have some swelling. But, should be able to eat a more substantial diet. If you are given a plastic irrigating syringe, DO NOT use it for the first five days. Then use it twice daily or as often as you like. Use the syringe until the tooth socket is closed completely and there is no chance of any food particles lodging in the socket. The remainder of the post-operative course should be gradual, steady improvement. If you don’t see continued improvement, please call our office.

It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call our office. A 24-hour answering service is available to contact the doctor on call after hours. Calling during office hours will allow a faster response to your questions or concerns.

PLEASE NOTE: Telephone calls for narcotic (pain killer) prescription renewal are ONLY accepted during office hours.