Instructions

Post Operative Instructions

Bleeding

Remove the gauze from your mouth upon reaching home or in one hour following treatment. A new gauze pad may be placed over the surgical area every 30-45 minutes if bleeding persists. Slight oozing may occur for several days. Spitting makes bleeding worse. If excessive bleeding is a problem:

  • Rinse mouth thoroughly.
  • Place a folded piece of sterile gauze or a tea bag over the bleeding area and bite down for one hour. Repeat if necessary. The gauze should be thick enough to prevent teeth from coming together all pressure should be on the bleeding area.
  • Keep your head elevated above chest level with several pillows.
  • Apply ice bag continuously.
  • Try not to spit, chew or talk for one hour.
  • If unable to control excessive bleeding, please call our office. Remember, a small amount of oozing may persist for 24 hours — this is normal

Pain

If you receive a prescription for pain medication, take it as needed with food. If pain is only minimal, take two Tylenol or Advil (Ibuprofen) as needed every 3-4 hours. Treat pain before it occurs.

Antibiotic

If an antibiotic was prescribed for you after surgery, please complete taking all the medication as directed on your container. If you believe you are experiencing any unusual or adverse reactions to them (such as hives, rashes, problems with breathing), notify our office as soon as possible.

Swelling

The swelling that is normally expected after oral surgery can be minimized by immediate use of an ice pack. Place ice pack on outside of face over the surgical area, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Do this for 8-12 hours after oral surgery. Swelling may peak on second and third days.

Black and Blue

Do not be alarmed if a yellowish-blue-black discoloration appears on your face after surgery. It may take a week to fade away.

Mouth Rinsing

Do not rinse your mouth on the day of surgery. The next morning, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt to a glass of water). Rinse three or four times daily, especially after meals for the next 7 days. You may carefully brush your teeth. Avoid the extraction sites until the tenderness is gone.

Diet

DRINK ONLY LIQUIDS UNTIL THE NUMBNESS HAS WORN OFF. Eat as soon as possible after surgery. Eating helps reduce nausea. Nausea is a frequent side effect from a general anesthetic. Eat light, soft foods such as eggs, warm cereal, mashed potatoes, smoothies and drink plenty of liquids. Avoid a diet of liquids only. ***DO NOT USE STRAWS***

Stitches

Stitches made of resorbable material were used. They do not have to be removed. DO NOT worry if they fall out early.

Bone Spicules

Following removal of teeth, loose pieces of bone often work their way through the gums. This may be uncomfortable. Should this occur, call our office.

Numbness

The roots of lower wisdom teeth (3rd molar teeth) may rest directly over the nerve of your lip. Because of this, you may experience numbness or tingling of your lower lip or tongue or chin. This is almost always temporary and may last from a few days to several months. Please inform the doctor if you have numbness.

Smoking

Smoking will aggravate bleeding and inhibits healing. Please refrain for 48 hours. Call this office if you are in doubt about anything or if you develop severe pain, persistent fever, bodily illness, or any other unusual disturbances.

DO NOT DRIVE OR OPERATE MACHINERY FOR 24 HOURS AFTER RECEIVING GENERAL ANESTHESIA OR SEDATION OR AFTER TAKING PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATION.

DO NOT USE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON THE DAY OF SURGERY OR AT ANY TIME WHILE TAKINGPRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATION.

Possible Consequences

Following any oral surgical procedure (particularly the removal of impacted wisdom teeth), most patients have discomfort and swelling for a number of days.

  1. Pain making an appearance 3 to 5 days after the operation can indicate delayed healing in the bone (“dry socket”). Call to be treated.
  2. Other teeth may ache temporarily. This is sympathetic pain and is temporary.
  3. Stiffness of the jaw may appear after surgery. Continued (14 days) stiffness should be brought to the doctor’s attention.
  4. There may be a slight ear ache, and a sore throat may develop.
  5. There may be a slight temperature elevation for 24 to 48 hours. If fever continues please contact the doctor.
  6. The corners of the mouth and lips may get chapped and crack temporarily as a result of stretching during surgery. Keep moist with Vaseline.
  7. There may be a “hole” in your gum after surgery. This will fill in with time. Rinse your mouth after meals to keep it clean.
  8. A small dressing may have been placed in the socket of a lower wisdom tooth. If so, you may have a medicinal taste or feel as if something is in the socket. It will be removed or changed in approximately one week. If you believe that the dressing has fallen out, please notify the doctor at your post-operative visit.
  9. Please call our office if you are in doubt about anything or develop any complications. We want to take care of you. If you need a prescription refilled, please call before 12 noon Monday-Friday.