1.     PAIN

         Take your pain medicine as directed. It is usually helpful to take the first dose before or at the time the anesthetic is beginning to wear off.

 

2. BLEEDING

         A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation. The gauze packing placed in your mouth at the office should be left in place undisturbed for one hour, then removed.  If bleeding is till present, place a new folded, moistened gauze pad or a moistened teabag directly over the socket for an additional hour, holding it in place with moderate biting pressure.  Check and change the gauze every hour until the bleeding stops.  If the bleeding appears excessive, phone the office immediately for advise.  If a denture has been inserted, do not remove it for any reason before your appointment with the doctor the next day.  Do not smoke for at least 24 hours following the surgery.  Forceful spitting and excessive physical activity tend to increase and prolong bleeding, as does bending over and picking up objects.  A semi-reclined position and rest for first few hours is recommended.

 

3. MOUTH RINSING

            Vigorous mouthwashing may stimulate bleeding by breaking clots which are formed. Therefore, do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours following extractions. After 24 hours, you may gently rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon salt per glass of warm water) 4 to 5 times a day for several days. If the bleeding continues, stop all mouth rinsing and follow instructions in paragraph 2 regarding bleeding. Do not rinse with commercial mouthwashes.  After 24 hours, you may gently brush her teeth, taking care near the extraction site.

 

4. DO NOT DISTURB THE BLOOD CLOT

            Its grayish or yellowish appearance and slight odor do not indicate an infected condition. Keep fingers, toothpicks, or other matter that may cause infection out of the mouth. Keep your tongue away from the surgical area.

 

 

5. SWELLING

            To help minimize ordinary immediate postoperative swelling, apply an icepack to the face over the operated area (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) for the first day only. If the swelling persists the second day, discontinue the ice back and begin the warm salt water rinsing. It is not unusual to have maximal swelling the second or third day. If infectious swelling was present at the time of the extractions, do not use ice. Instead use warm moist dressings until the swelling subsides.

 

6. DIET

            It is important to maintain a good diet. A liquid or soft diet is advisable for the first day or so. You should drink plenty of fluids, but do not take them through a straw. Avoid foods that are hot or spicy. Begin eating when the bleeding has seized and the numbness from the anesthetic has worn off.

 

7. BONE FRAGMENTS

            During the healing process, small fragments of bone may loosen and work their way through the gum. These fragments, which are not roots, usually come out on their own. If they are bothersome, return to our office so the surgeon may advise or treat you.

 

8. SUTURES/ STITCHES

            Return to our office for suture removal on _______________________ at ______________ if sutures have been placed.