Tooth Extractions

Bleeding

• Bite on gauze (do not chew) for 30 minutes.  Remove gauze and check for bleeding.
• Place the gauze directly over the surgical sites to be effective.
• Repeat process with fresh gauze as needed until bleeding has diminished to a slow “oozing” or stops altogether.
• Do not rinse or spit for the first 24 hours.  This will disturb the blood clot and prolong bleeding.  It is better to swallow normally during this time.
• Do not use a straw for drinking the first 3 days.  Smoking is also very harmful to the blood clot and should be kept to a minimum during this time.
• Some bleeding for the first day or two is normal.  If bleeding persists, or is excessive, please notify us.
• For continued bleeding, a tea bag dipped in cold water may be very helpful in place of the gauze.

Medications

• Have your prescriptions filled and take your medications as directed.
• Take the first dose of pain medication after you get home before the numbness wears off. Do not take the medicine on an empty stomach.  Take it with a large glass of liquid or light food (milkshake, Frosty, soup, etc…).
• Remember that certain antibiotics may make birth control pills ineffective.  Therefore, all women who are currently taking birth control pills should use another form of contraception, during the entire cycle, when antibiotics have been prescribed.
• Do not operate machinery or drive a car for twenty-four hours after your surgery if you have taken a narcotic medication or received any medication through an IV (a needle placed in your arm).

Ice

• Apply ice packs immediately to all areas of the face where surgery was performed.
• Place the ice packs on for 30 minutes and off for 30 minutes.
• Ice is helpful for the first 24 to 48 hours.

Diet – Your nutrition is extremely important.

• Do not eat any foods that require chewing while you are numb.  On the day of surgery it is best to eat softer, cooler foods.  Thereafter, gradually return to your normal diet.
• Eating solid foods will help to limber up the muscle stiffness in your jaws that normally accompanies surgery.  Gentle exercise and chewing gum will also be helpful in relieving muscle tightness.

Swelling and/or Bruising

• Swelling after any surgical procedure is normal and typically occurs for 24-48 hours after surgery.  This is especially true with a difficult tooth removal or removal of impacted teeth.  The swelling and/or bruising may be minimal or extensive and may persist for several days.
• The use of ice and elevation of the head can be helpful to minimize swelling during the first couple days after surgery.

Earache/Sore Throat

• It is normal to experience a slight earache or sore throat after surgery.
• You may also have a slight fever for 24-48 hours.  If the fever continues after this period of time, notify us.

Hygiene – Cleanliness is a must for rapid and uncomplicated recovery

• Brush your teeth gently.
• The day after surgery, brush as you normally would and begin rinsing with a warm salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) four to five times per day for one week.  Do not use commercial mouthwashes because they contain alcohol that can irritate the wound.
• If you were given a syringe to help clean the surgical area, begin using it at 5 or 6 days after surgery.  Irrigate the area with warm water at least twice a day until the holes are closed (usually within three to four weeks).

Pain

• Most discomfort should begin to subside 3 to 4 days after surgery.
• If you continue to have pain after 3 to 4 days, call our office.

Numbness

• Some surgeries are performed very close to nerves, which can sometimes cause numbness or altered sensations, especially of the lower lip or tongue.  These conditions are usually temporary and will likely disappear when the swelling goes down and the nerve heals.
• Should numbness persist beyond the first week, please call our office.