POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXTRACTIONS

WISDOM TEETH AND OTHER MINOR ORAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Following simple extractions or surgical procedures, pain may continue for 7 – 14 days. The maximum amount of pain and swelling will usually occur in the first 48-72 hours. You may have swelling and pain in the ears, under the lower jaws, on the side of the head, under the eyes or alongside the nose depending on the procedure performed.

Following your appointment:

  1. When you arrive home, take medications as instructed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
  2. The prescribed drugs may cause you to be dizzy and/or sleepy. DO NOT drive a car, bus or truck, drink alcoholic beverages or operate power tools or machines. This especially if you have had any type of sedation.
  3. Physical activity may cause pain. Do not work at physically exerting jobs, exercise, play tennis, basketball, or contact sports of any kind.
  4. You may brush and floss your teeth as normal avoiding surgical area for one week or until instructed. Keep the surgical site clean with GENTLE rinsing of salt water.
  5. Facial swelling may occur and not recede for 10 – 14 days. It is not necessarily a sign of infection. An ice bag may be applied after the extraction/procedure but it may not retard the swelling. After 3-4 days, you may switch to moist heat, in the form of a heating pad, moist towels or a hot water bag.
  6. Starting the first night, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water 4 to 5 times a day especially after meals. Use half a teaspoon of regular table salt in a glass of water and swish gently in your mouth.
  7. DO NOT take aspirin and DO NOT eat any dairy products for 24 hours.

 

Medications:  If you are taking any special medications, Dr. Rimer will have advised you as to the protocol for taking these, following this type of surgery. Pain Medications: Take pain medication after treatment with fruit juice or a full glass of water. We suggest you do not take pain medication on an empty stomach. Sit up for 20 minutes after taking pain medication. This will decrease chances of an upset stomach. This medication may be repeated 4 to 6 hours as needed for discomfort. (or as specially prescribed for you – Do not exceed the recommended dosage).  DO NOT USE ASPIRIN or products containing aspirin for 1 week following surgery. Aspirin, Advil and Aleve can contribute to bleeding problems and healing. Only the non-aspirin pain reliever, Tylenol is acceptable.

Antibiotics: Take prescribed antibiotics as directed until all have been taken. You will begin this medication the day prior to surgery.

The face in the area of the extraction/procedure may appear black and blue or even change to yellow. Do not be alarmed as it will gradually disappear. The surgical sites in the mouth may appear white; this is not a sign of infection and requires no treatment. Healing will not be disturbed by careful eating or drinking. Do not spit or drink through a straw. Your body requires nourishment to heal properly. When chewing is difficult or opening the mouth is too painful, a liquid diet (fruit juices, soups, etc. no milk or ice-cream), is recommended, if possible (no dairy for the first 24 hours).

NO SMOKING ALLOWED.

There will be some oozing of blood for about 24 – 48 hours after the extraction/procedure. To prevent staining your pillow, cover it with a towel for this period of time. If bleeding is extensive follow these directions:

  1. Use clean gauze to wipe away all blood clots not in the tooth socket.
  2. Roll up a half inch wad of moist gauze. Place it over the bleeding area. Bite down gently on the gauze so that pressure is applied over the bleeding. Maintain pressure for 30 minutes without removing the gauze.
  3. Replace the gauze in 30 minutes. If necessary, use a tea bag if bleeding persists, instead of gauze.

Stitches may have been placed to protect the surgical site. Please refrain from playing with the sutures with your tongue.  Small pieces of bone may appear in the gum if a tooth has been extracted. They are not pieces of tooth or root, do not be concerned.

Do not rinse vigorously as this will dislodge the graft material in the extraction site if this procedure has been done. Eating on the side away from the surgical site will also help.

Any problems or questions regarding your postoperative condition, please call the office for advice: (561) 368-3170.