Post-Operative Instructions
Our goal is for your healing process after an extraction to be as comfortable as possible. The removal of teeth is a surgical procedure, and post-operative care is imperative. Please follow all instructions carefully to avoid any unnecessary pain and possible infection.
- ANESTHESIA: The feeling of numbness will begin to wear off in 30 minutes to 4 hours. Until that time, avoid all hot foods or liquids, and do not chew. This is to prevent accidentally burning or biting the lips, cheeks, inside of your mouth, or tongue until normal feeling has returned.
- GAUZE PACK: Keep the gauge pack over the extraction/surgery site as placed or provided in clinic for 30 minutes.
- BLEEDING: It is normal for the extraction site to bleed slightly or ooze blood for 12 to 24 hours following surgery. but need not to worry take some cotton dip in cold water and squeeze it and then keep it over the extraction site for 30 minutes.
- ICE PACK: For the first 7-8 hours after extraction, ice packs should be applied to the outside of the face over the area of the extraction site. The ice pack should be held in place for 15 minutes and then removed for 15 minutes. This will help reduce discomfort and swelling.
- SWELLING is normal following surgical procedures in the mouth. After 2-3 days, the swelling should begin to recede. If swelling persists or interferes with your ability to eat or talk or swallow, do not hesitate to call our office
- DIET: should be soft and COLD for the first 24 hours.
- NOTHING HOT in diet for first 24 hrs as heat can dislodge clot that may lead to bleeding.
- STRAW should be avoided for first 3 days, it can dislodge clot that may lead to bleeding.
- AVOID SMOKING, ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO in any form for 5 days.
- AVOID STRENUOUS physical work for 2-3 days.
- SLEEPING on side of extraction should be avoided for 24 hrs
- SUTURES If placed for the operation, return as directed for their removal.
- LUKE WARM RINSES AFTER 24 hrs : Rinse your mouth with warm salt water every 4 hours and after meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the area. This is extremely important.Do this for one week.
- BRUSHING at extraction site should be avoided for first 24 hrs and after that brush gently for 1 week over the extraction site. Brushing should be normal on other teeth.
- MEDICATIONS are prescribed to control pain or prevent infection, so should be taken as prescribed on time.
IMPORTANT:
IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY SEVERE SWELLING, PROLONGED BLEEDING, SEVERE PROLONGED PAIN, HIGH FEVER, DIZZINESS, ALLERGIC TYPE REACTIONS, ETC. THAT CONCERN YOU, PLEASE CALL US IMMEDIATELY ON NUMBERS LISTED ABOVE. IN THE EVENT YOU CANNOT REACH US OR WE DO NOT RETURN YOUR CALL WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME – GO TO THE EMERGENCY AT NEAREST HOSPITAL FOR IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.
