PATIENT INFORMATION

Post-operative Instructions

Post-Operative Instructions / Care of Mouth and Throat After Surgery

Do not rinse or spit actively for 12 hours after surgery.
Keep fingers and tongue away from socket or surgical area.
Use ice packs on surgical area (side of face) for first 12 - 24 hours, apply ice 20 minutes on - 20 minutes off. Bags of frozen peas/corn etc. work well also.
For mild discomfort take Tylenol 1000 mg or Ibuprofen 400 - 800 mg every four to six hours.
For severe pain use the prescription given to you. You can take Ibuprofin and Vicodin (hydrocodone) together for maximum pain relief.
Drink plenty of fluids. (Do not use a straw)
If the muscles of the jaw become stiff, the use of warm moist heat after 24 hours to the outside of your face over these muscles may improve the situation.
After the first post-operative day, use a warm salt-water rinse following meals for the first week to flush out particles of food and debris which may lodge in the surgical area. (teaspoon of salt in an 12 oz glass of warm water. Mouthwash can be added to this regimen)
Diet may consist of soft foods which can be easily chewed and swallowed. No seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, etc.
A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery and oozing is common for as much as 24 hours. Bleeding is controlled by applying pressure to the surgical area using small rolled gauze for 2 - 3 hours. After that time remove the gauze and then you may eat or drink. If bleeding persists, a moist tea bag should be placed in the area of bleeding and bite firmly for one hour straight. This will aid in clotting blood. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding still persists call our office at (626) 440-0099.
suggest that you do not smoke for at least 5 days after surgery. Nicotine may break down the blood clot and cause a "Dry-Socket" (painful socket).

Post-operative Expectations

The removal of impacted wisdom teeth and surgical extraction of teeth is quite different from the extraction of erupted teeth. The following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal:

The surgical area will have varying degrees of swelling.
Swelling peaks on the 2nd or 3rd post -operative day
Trismus (stiffness) of the muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a period of several days.
You may have a slight ear ache.
A sore throat may develop.
Your other teeth may ache temporarily. This is referred pain and is a temporary condition.
If the corners of the mouth are stretched out they may dry and crack, your lips should be kept moist with cream or ointment.
There will be a space where the tooth was removed. After 24 hours this area should be rinsed following meals with warm salt water (teaspoon of table salt mixed in an 12 oz glass of warm water) until it is healed. This cavity will gradually fill in with new tissue and close.
There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24 to 48 hours. If temperature continues, notify us.
It is not unusual to develop bruising in the area of an extraction but is of no significant consequences.
Prolonged numbness (6 - 8 hours) is common due to the use of long-acting local anesthesia

Feel free to contact us if any doubt arises as to your progress and recovery.

What you should do following extractions and other oral surgery procedures?

A certain amount of bleeding, pain, and swelling is normal. Reduce your activity as much as possible for several hours. Avoid eating, drinking, and unnecessary talking. Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for 24 hours. These activities may hinder formation of a blood clot which is necessary for proper healing.

Follow the simple instructions below to minimize complications and help ensure prompt recovery.

To control bleeding

Immediately following procedure keep a steady pressure on the bleeding area by biting firmly on the gauze placed there by your doctor. Pressure helps reduce bleeding and permits formation of a clot in the tooth socket. Gently remove the compress after the local anesthesia has worn off and normal feeling has returned. If bleeding persists, a moist tea bag should be placed in the area of bleeding and bite firmly for one hour straight. This will aid in clotting blood. Repeat if necessary.

After 24 hours some oozing of blood may persist. If necessary, resume use of moist tea bags. After bleeding has stopped, cautiously resume oral hygiene.

To relieve pain

Immediately following the procedure begin taking medication as directed by your doctor to minimize discomfort when the local anesthesia wears off and sensation returns to normal. Beginning pain medications prior to your local anesthesia wearing off will significantly reduce your discomfort. Application of an ice bag can also help relieve discomfort.

After 24 hours, continue to take your medication as needed if pain persists. If you are taking antibiotics, please complete the prescription.

To minimize swelling/fevers

Immediately following procedure, apply an ice bag over the affected area. Use 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for 24 hours to help prevent development of excessive swelling and discomfort. If an ice bag is unavailable, simply fill a heavy plastic bag with crushed ice. Tie end securely and cover with a soft cloth to avoid skin irritation. Bags of frozen peas/corn etc. work well also.

Swelling can peak as much as 72 hours later. After 24 hours it should not be necessary to continue with cold applications. You may expect a fever of 99 degrees F to 100 degrees F shortly after surgery but this should normalize in 48 hours. Tylenol 1000 mgs, can be taken every 4 hours for fever control.

Oral hygiene is important

24 hours after surgery, rinse mouth gently with a solution of one-half teaspoonful of salt dissolved in an 12 oz glass of warm water. Repeat after every meal or snack for seven days. Rinsing is important because it removes food particles and debris from the socket area and thus helps prevent infection and promote healing. Brush your tongue with a toothbrush to keep bacteria growth under control, but be careful not to touch the extraction site.

Resume your regular tooth brushing, but avoid disturbing the surgical site so as not to loosen or remove the blood clot.

Maintain a proper diet

Have your meals at the usual time. Eat soft, nutritious foods and drink plenty of liquids with meals and in between. Have what you wish, but be careful not to disturb the blood clot. Add solid foods to your diet as soon as they are comfortable to chew.

In case of problems

You should experience no trouble if you follow the instructions and suggestions as outlined. But if you should have any problems such as excessive bleeding, pain, or difficulty in opening your mouth, call our office immediately for further instructions or additional treatment at (626) 440 - 0099.

Remember your follow-up visit

It is often advisable to return for a postoperative visit to make certain healing is progressing satisfactorily. A follow-up visit will be scheduled. In the meantime, maintain a healthful diet, observe rules for proper oral hygiene, and visit your dentist for regular checkups.

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