After Oral Surgery and Post-Operative Care On day 1:
Do Not under any circumstances smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, or drink forcefully through a straw for 48 hours. These activities will disturb the forming blood clot and can lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
Bleeding: Following tooth removal some bleeding is to be expected. Keep biting pressure on gauze for approximately 1-2 hours. Repeat if necessary, replacing gauze every 30-45 minutes. If heavy bleeding persists, call our office.
Do Not Rinse Mouth Today: You may drink liquids as usual, but do not rinse and spit as this may dislodge blood clot in the healing site.
On day 2:
Following extraction, you may gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 tsp. salt in 1 glass of warm water). Rinse your mouth ever 3 to 4 hours (especially after meals). Continue rinses for several days.
You may brush and floss your teeth as normal, being careful not to brush into extraction site. Proper oral hygiene will speed the healing process and diminish sensitivity. For the first few days following oral surgery, use light, gentle pressure when brushing and flossing around the surgical site.
On day 3:
Following extraction, you may pick out any food from extraction site, gently, with a toothpick. Continue to do this until the area is completely healed, usually about 3-4 weeks.
Swelling: After an extraction, you may feel some discomfort or swelling. A plastic bag of ice wrapped in a towel should be applied to the operated area-30 minutes on and 30 minutes off-for 4 to 5 hours.
Medication: For mild to average pain, use any non-aspirin type of pain medication you like. If your surgery was extensive, a prescribed medication for pain and or antibiotic for infection should be taken as directed.
Food: Drink plenty of fluids and maintain a soft, light diet for the first couple days following your surgery. Do not suck on extraction site and avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours following your surgery.
Bony Edges: Small, sharp bone fragments may work up through the gums during healing. These are not roots; if they are annoying please return to the office for their simple removal.
Healing: Remember that your mouth is in a healing phase and will need time to return to normal. If you have any problems or have any concerns, please contact our office.
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