Extractions

• Post- Operative instructions following a tooth extraction
  Immediately following surgery:

  • Please keep gauze placed over the surgical area with pressure (biting down) until bleeding stops. Extra gauze provided to replace saturated one
  • Take your prescribed pain medication as soon as you begin to feel discomfort. This usually coincide with the local anesthetic wearing off.
  • Do not suck through a straw or spit for 24 hours
  • If you are a smoker, do not smoke for 48 hours
  • Restrict your activities for the day of surgery, and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable.
  • Place ice packs on the side of discomfort
  • For mild discomfort, use ibuprofen (advil, mortin) do not take more than 800mg every 4-6 hours
  • Vigorous mouth rising or touching the affected area following surgery should be avoided. This may initiate bleeding cause by dislodging the blood clot that was formed.
  • Do not rinse mouth for the first post-operative day or while there is bleeding.

  Bleeding– certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following a surgical procedure. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is NOT uncommon. Bleeding is best controlled with pressure. If bleeding persistent please contact the office and place a tea bag under the tongue. This has chemicals to help clot the blood.

  Swelling– the amount of swelling that is normally expected after an extraction depends on the type of surgery. Swelling around the mouth, cheek, eyes, and side of the face are NOT uncommon. The swelling sometimes may not appear immediately, and it may occur up to 2-3 days post-surgery.

  Pain– post-operative pain will be the most severe the first day after surgery. It ‘s beneficial to take your pain medication before your numbness wears off. DO NOT take pain medication on an empty stomach as nausea may result. The medication might make you drowsy. DO NOT drive or operate machinery, and AVOID alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more each day. If pain persists, it may require attention, please call the office.
  Sutures- if any sutures were required, they will dissolve on their own in 7-10 days. It will not be necessary to return to the office to remove them.

  Activity– over exertion may start or intensify your pain. AVOID excessive work or play. Rest and minimal activity will help minimize pain, swelling and bleeding. Normal activity may resume the following day as tolerated.

  Cleaning– do not rinse vigorously or spit for the first 24 hours following surgery. You can brush your teeth the night of the surgery, but rinse gently. The day after surgery, you should begin rinsing four times a day and after eating. Do this gently as to not dislodge the blood clot. Avoid use of non-prescription rinse for 24 hours after surgery.

  Diet– it is advisable to eat only soft, non-spicy food for the first few days.

  Special Considerations– Trismus (stiffness) in the face muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a period of days. Moist heat compresses can minimize this condition. You may experience aching from the other teeth. This discomfort is caused by referred pain and is a temporary condition. It is not unusual to develop bruising in the area of the extraction. There might be a slight elevation in the temperature for 24-48 hours. If the fever persists can the office.

  Dry Socket– A “dry socket” is the loss of the blood clot in the socket (extraction site). This condition creates a delayed healing at the extraction site and presents symptoms such as pain in the ear, chin, adjacent teeth, and jaw. The discomfort usually begins about the 3rd or 4th day after surgery and can last for many days. Treatment is for the symptom only. This complication is more common with smokers.