Following surgery, a gauze pad should be folded and placed over the extraction site for at least 30 minutes and continues until the bleeding stops.
. If bleeding is not controlled with the gauze, take a regular tea bag and place it in boiling water. Let the bag cool, then squeeze it out, wrap in a piece of gauze and place it over the bleeding area. Bite it gently. After a few minutes, rinse it out in warm water, squeeze to remove excess water, and then replace it over the bleeding area.
. DO NOT RINSE OR SPIT for the first 24 hours. This allows for proper blood clotting to occur. Which is necessary in the healing process.
. Slight oozing of blood is normal for a day or two after oral surgery. If bleeding is heavy, please call our office. Wipe blood and saliva from the
lips with a tissue.
. Use an inexpensive towel to cover pillow at night. Some blood clots may appear which are normal.
. Denture patients should attempt to leave their dentures in place for the first 24 hours following surgery. Only remove them early if there is active
bleeding or extreme discomfort. Due to the expected swelling, you might no be able to replace them once removed, so wait 1-2 days for swelling to
go down.
. It is advisable that someone drive the patient home following oral surgery. This will allow the patient to rest. Make sure seat belt is used.
. Do not leave patient unattended. If the patient is a child please “watch over them as they recover”. Their lips maybe numb so be careful that they
do not chew it. Do not eat until numbness goes away.
. The patient is advised not to smoke for 3 days following surgery. Smoking can break down the clot and cause bleeding.
. The patient should not drink through a straw for 3 days following surgery. Suction action can loosen the clot and cause bleeding.
. Avoid hot food and drink for the first 24 hours following surgery.
. Diabetic patients should maintain their normal diet and take medication as usual.
. If advised by treating dentist, do not blow your nose following an extraction for a period to be designated.
MEDICATION:
Take medications as directed.
For adults in mild pain, one or two non-aspirins such as Tylenol, Motrin, Aleve or Advil every four hours.
If a skin rash develops, stop the medication and inform the office.
. If the doctor has prescribed codeine, take it only if the above medication is not adequate.
. Do not drive a car or use heavy machinery when taking codeine or any other pain medication.
. Do not drink alcoholic beverage when taking prescribed drugs.
. For Swelling:
Apply an ice pack to the area of the face where surgery was performed. This should be done in cycles of 20 minutes on followed by 20 minutes
Off, while awake, during the first 24 hours following surgery. Protect the skin with Vaseline or a thin towel.
Brushing your teeth is important, and should be done cautiously. It can be done later the day of surgery or you can wait until the next day.
. Rinsing gently with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon glass). Start approximately 24 hours after surgery. If this causes moderate bleeding, use gauze and wait several hours before rinsing again. Do not rinse or use mouthwash unless advised by dentist.
. DO NOT RINSE OR SPIT THE DAY OF THE SURGERY, BUT WE RECOMMEND DRINK FLUIDS.
. KEEP YOUR FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT. Even if you are feeling good, we need to make sure you are healing properly.
