Instructions Following Oral Surgery

POST OPERATIVE CARE AFTER SURGERY

You have had a surgical operation and a certain amount of pain, swelling and bleeding is to be expected.  Everyone in this office is interested in your comfort and speedy recovery.  Please cooperate with us by following these instructions.

  • BLEEDING

    • A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following the removal of teeth and it may continue for several hours. To help control bleeding, do not rinse your mouth the first day. If active or heavy bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly on the bleeding site and apply a biting pressure for 20 minutes. Repeat as often as necessary every 20 minutes until bleeding is brought under control. A small, wet tea bag may be alternated with the gauze for extra clotting effect. Slight oozing the first 24 hours is acceptable.

  • SWELLING

    • Swelling usually occurs following surgery. An ice bag applied to the face over the extraction area for 10 minutes, then 10 minutes off; continuing this for 6-8 hours after surgery will help, but will not eliminate swelling. AFTER THE FIRST DAY DO NOT USE THE ICE. You may apply a heating pad on a low setting after the first 24 hours.

  • PAIN

    • Unfortunately, pain pills only help control pain and do not entirely eliminate it. It takes a pain pill taken by mouth 30-60 minutes to work. If you were given a pain prescription take your pain medication before the local anesthesia wears off. If you were not given a pain prescription, use Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Advil) as needed.

  • FOOD

    • Avoid tobacco products and alcoholic beverages for the first 24 hours. Soft foods and liquids are best the first 24 hours or until it is comfortable for you to chew. If you are unable to chew a soft diet, it is very important that you drink plenty of liquids. Avoid carbonated beverages or anything above room temperature. Do not use a straw to drink.

  • ORAL HYGIENE

    • After the first 24 hours you may gently rinse your mouth 2-3 times each day with a solution of ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. It is very important to resume gentle tooth brushing on the day after your surgery.

  • ACTIVITY

    • There are no set rules because people recover at different rates. Take it easy for the first two days, and then be reasonable. Do not push yourself.

  • PROBLEMS

    • If you have problems or questions, please call our office at 352-3312.