Post Operation Patient Care Instructions

Post-Op: Care Of Mouth After Extractions

1. FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS: No rinsing, spitting, drinking through a straw and no smoking. Protect the healing clot as much as possible and you will avoid the painful 'dry socket' that occurs when the healing clot is dislodged.  Keep activity light (avoid lifting heavy objects, bending over, working out, lifting weights).  
2. BLEEDING: Bleeding will stop slowly. Use gauze and pressure as needed to stop the bleeding.  Remove gauze a half hour to forty five minutes after appointment.  Do not replace gauze unless bleeding starts again.  Gentle rinsing is OK, but protect the healing clot as much as possible.  Do not rinse it out.  The bleeding should stop in one to three hours, slight oozing is normal.  If the area starts to bleed again use gauze with gentle but firm pressure or a dampened tea bag in the area until bleeding has subsided. 
3. SWELLING:  For the first 24 hours, apply a plastic bag or towel filled with ice against the outside of the cheek on the affected side for 15 minutes on, then 5 minutes off.  Continue for as much of the day as possible. 
4. FOOD:  For the first 24 hours, a soft food diet is recommended.  It is important to eat and drink, just avoid the surgical site. Avoid hot liquids or hard foods in the extraction area. After 24 hours, use good judgement and try to protect the healing clot.  Gently brush unaffected teeth after a meal. 
5. BONY EDGES:  After teeth are extracted, you may feel sliver-like projections in the gum tissue. This is normal.  They are small spicules of bone that will work their way out of the tissue.  If the sensation becomes uncomfortable, please let us know. 
6. MEDICATION:  If antibiotics are prescribed, take the full amount prescribed even if symptoms have disappeared.  If pain medication is prescribed, take it according to directions and only as long as relief is needed.  Switch to Tylenol (2 extra strength) or Advil (2-3) 400-600mg tabs every four (4) hours as soon as practical. 
7. QUESTIONS:  If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office at any time.  If the office is closed, the answering service will contact the doctor on-call for you.