Surgical Instructions - Post Surgical Instructions

Care of the Mouth after Oral Surgery

Do not rinse, spit or use a straw for 24 hours after surgery.
Keep fingers and tongue away from the socket or surgical area.
Use ice packs on the surgical area (side of face) for the first 24-36 hours; apply ice 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off.
For mild discomfort take Tylenol or Ibuprofen every 3-4 hours.
For severe pain use the prescription given to you.
Drink plenty of fluids (do not use a straw for the first 24 hours)
If the muscles of the jaw become stiff, chewing gum at intervals will help relax the muscles, as well as the use of warm moist heat to the outside of your face over these muscles.
After the first post operative day, use 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. ( 1/4 - 1/2 tsp of salt in a glass of warm water. Mouthwash can be added for a better taste)
Diet should consist of cool soft foods over the first 24 hours, progressing to warm soft foods thereafter. Food that needs to be chewed should be avoided while numbness from the local anesthesia is still present. Gradually increase diet over the next several days as you find comfortable. No seeds, nuts, popcorn, chicken, etc. should be eaten for at least 2 weeks.
A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Applying pressure in the surgical area using the gauze provided will help control the bleeding. The gauze should be changed every 30 minutes until active bleeding has stopped. If bleeding persists, a moist tea bag should be placed in the area of bleeding, applying firm biting pressure for one hour. This will aid in clotting the blood. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding continues to persist, please call the office.
We 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.

Feel free to contact us if any doubt arises as to your progress and recovery. We kindly request that you attempt to call during office hours, as access to your record is critical in your care. This also is most helpful should you require refills on your prescriptions.

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 the blood clot, which is necessary for proper healing.

Do not be alarmed if your vision is blurred for a time following anesthesia, or if a black and blue bruise should appear at the site of an injection. The arm also may be black and blue, swollen and tender to touch due to the IV.

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

To control bleeding – immediately following the procedure keep steady pressure on the bleeding area by biting firmly on the gauze placed in the office. Pressure helps reduce bleeding and permits formation of a clot in the tooth socket. Gently remove the compress after approximately 30 minutes and replace if needed until active bleeding has stopped. After 24 hours some oozing of blood may persist. If necessary, use of moist tea bags can be used. After bleeding has stopped, cautiously resume oral hygiene.
To relieve pain – immediately following the procedure begin taking medication as directed by Dr. West to minimize discomfort when the anesthesia wears off and feeling is back to normal. Application of an ice pack can also relieve discomfort.
Taking medications - In most situations, an anti-inflammatory medication is prescribed to take on a regular basis for several days and a narcotic pain medication is prescribed to use as needed. Our goal is to minimize the amount of narcotic necessary for comfort.
To minimize swelling – immediately following the procedure, apply an ice bag over the affected area. Use 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off for the first 24-36 hours to help prevent development of excessive swelling and discomfort. Gel packs are available in the office which can be used for application of both cold and heat to the affected areas.

Special considerations following removal of impacted teeth:

Removal of impacted teeth is a surgical procedure. Post operative problems are not unusual and extra care must be taken to avoid complications.
Severity of post op pain will depend on the procedure and your physical condition. Take medication for pain precisely as directed.
Healing of the surgical site is variable and swelling can be expected. Be certain to apply ice packs as directed above.
Difficulty in opening your mouth widely and discomfort upon swallowing should be anticipated.
Numbness of the lips and/or tongue on the affected side may be experienced for a variable period of time.

Oral hygiene is important:

24 hours after surgery, rinse the mouth gently with a solution of 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. of salt dissolved in an 8 ounce glass of warm water. Repeat after each meal or snack for 7 days. Rinsing is important because it removes food particles and debris from the socket area and does help prevent infection and promote healing. Brush tongue with a dry toothbrush to keep bacteria growth down, but be careful not to touch the extraction site.

Resume your regular tooth brushing after 24 hours, but avoid disturbing the surgical site, so as not to loosen or remove the blood clot. You will be given an irrigating syringe to clean the lower sockets when you return for your post operative appointment.

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. Eat 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. If you should have any problems such as excessive bleeding, pain or difficulty opening your mouth, call our office for further instructions or additional treatment.

Remember your follow up visit:

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