Post-Operative Instructions

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. A slight amount of bleeding is to be expected during the first 24 hours, and is no cause for alarm. If the bleeding persists, dampen the gauze with vinegar or use a teabag in the same manner, with pressure. Do not rinse the mouth if there is active bleeding. If excessive bleeding continues after trying these methods, call the office for instructions.
Do not rinse the mouth until the following day, then use warm salt water as mouthwash (about 1/2 teaspoon table salt to 8 oz. of warm water). Repeat rinsing several times daily in addition to brushing the teeth. This helps remove food particles and debris, stimulates circulation, and promotes healing.
Swelling of the face is to be expected following oral surgery. Swelling may be extreme and may result in bluish discoloration of the skin resembling a bruise, but is no cause for alarm. The jaw muscles will be affected by the swelling, causing a temporary tightening and limited mouth opening. This is a normal reaction and is no cause for concern. Apply ice pack during the first 48 hours to minimize swelling. After 48 hours, either moist or dry heat should be applied to reduce the swelling.
Some pain is to be expected following surgery depending upon the type of surgery performed. Use the prescribed medicine. For relief of mild pain Tylenol or similar medications may be sufficient.
If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction. Call the office if you have any questions.
Sutures may have been used to close the surgical wound. Most cases the sutures are of dissolvable type. If suture removal is necessary, this may be done at your follow-up visit.
A light soft diet is advised during the first 24 hours. Supplementary vitamin intake during this period is also desirable. Smoking should be avoided during the healing period.
If you start having “throbbing” or “aching” type of pain two or three days after your surgery, please return to the office for additional treatment to relieve the pain.
In some cases, nausea occurs during the first or second day after surgery. This is usually a side-effect of the medication. We suggest you discontinue this medication, and if the nausea continues, call the office.
Remember, that any surgery of the mouth requires careful attention to hygiene, particularly since the mouth is a highly contaminated area. The possibility of infection is greater than in other surgery because it is impossible to protect the wound with a bandage or dressing.
In case of other concerns not covered above or if there is any question, be sure to call the office without delay.

Some pain is to be expected following surgery depending upon the type of surgery performed. Use the prescribed medicine. For relief of mild pain Tylenol or similar medications may be sufficient.

If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction. Call the office if you have any questions.

Sutures may have been used to close the surgical wound. Most cases the sutures are of dissolvable type. If suture removal is necessary, this may be done at your follow-up visit.

A light soft diet is advised during the first 24 hours. Supplementary vitamin intake during this period is also desirable. Smoking should be avoided during the healing period.

If you start having “throbbing” or “aching” type of pain two or three days after your surgery, please return to the office for additional treatment to relieve the pain.

In some cases, nausea occurs during the first or second day after surgery. This is usually a side-effect of the medication. We suggest you discontinue this medication, and if the nausea continues, call the office.

Remember, that any surgery of the mouth requires careful attention to hygiene, particularly since the mouth is a highly contaminated area. The possibility of infection is greater than in other surgery because it is impossible to protect the wound with a bandage or dressing.

In case of other concerns not covered above or if there is any question, be sure to call the office without delay.

Call 661/246-4334 now to schedule an appointment!