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Exercise Care:
Do not disturb the surgical area today. DO NOT rinse
vigorously or probe the area with any objects. No brushing of
teeth for 24 hours. PLEASE DO NOT SMOKE for at least 48
hours, since this is very detrimental to healing and may cause
a delayed healing.
Oozing:
Intermittent bleeding or oozing overnight is normal. Bleeding
may be controlled by placing fresh gauze over the areas and
biting on the gauze for 30-45 minutes at a time.
Persistent Bleeding:
Bleeding should not be severe. If so, it usually means that
the packs are being clenched between the teeth 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 water, squeezed damp-dry and
wrapped in a moist gauze) for 20 to 30 minutes. If bleeding
remains uncontrolled, please call our office.
Swelling:
Swelling is often associated with oral surgery. It can be
reduced by using a cold pack, ice bag or a bag of frozen peas
wrapped in a towel and applied firmly to the face adjacent to
the surgical area. This should be applied 20 minutes on and 20
minutes off during the first 24 hours after surgery. Maximum
swelling typically takes 24-48 hours to develop. It may be
followed by bruising. PLEASE DO NOT APPLY ICE 24 HOURS
AFTER SURGERY. If you have been prescribed medicine for
the control of swelling, be sure to take it as directed.
Pain:
Unfortunately most
oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. You
will usually have a prescription for pain medication. If
you take the first pill before the local anesthetic has worn
off, this may help you better manage any discomfort. The
effects of pain medications vary widely among individuals. If
you do not achieve adequate relief at first, you may
supplement each pain pill with an analgesic such as Tylenol or
Ibuprofen. 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 after office hours, you must call for
a refill during weekday business hours.
Nausea:
Nausea is not uncommon after surgery. Sometimes pain
medications are the cause. Nausea can be reduced by preceding
each pain pill with a small amount of soft food, and taking
the pill with a large volume of water. Try to keep taking
clear fluids and minimize dosing of pain medications, but call
us if you do not feel better.
Diet:
Eat any nourishing food that can be taken with comfort. Avoid
extremely hot foods. Do not use a straw for the first 2 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 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 any 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 or so.
If they cause concern or discomfort, please call the office.
Instructions for
the Second and Third Days
Mouth Rinses:
Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential. Use ¼
teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 ounce glass of warm water
and gently rinse with portions of the solution, taking 5
minutes to use the entire glassful. Repeat as often as you
like, but at least 2 or 3 times daily.
Brushing:
Begin your normal oral hygiene routine the day after surgery.
Soreness and swelling may not permit vigorous brushing, but
please make every effort to clean your teeth within the bounds
of comfort.
Healing:
Normal healing after a tooth extraction should be as follows:
The first 2 days after surgery are generally the most
uncomfortable and there is usually some swelling. On the 3rd
day you should be more comfortable, although still swollen,
you can usually begin a more substantial diet. Bleeding may
occur a few days after the procedure. The remainder of the
post-operative course should be a steady, but gradual
improvement. If you do not 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 the office where
you had surgery. A 24-hour answering service is available to
contact the doctor on call after hours. Calling during office
hours will afford a faster to your question or concern.
PLEASE NOTE: telephone calls for narcotic (pain killer)
prescription renewal are ONLY accepted during office hours. |
