POST CARE ORAL SURGERY

I Had An Extraction. Now What Do I Do?

• Protection of the blood clot... Maintain gentle pressure by biting on the gauze sponge that has been placed over the surgical area. Keep steady firm pressure for 45 minutes. Repeat as often as needed. Be sure to moisten the gauze with a little water so that it won't stick to the clot. Pressure will assist in the body's natural blood clotting process.
  
  
  • If the bleeding persists without slowing for several hours, apply a moist tea bag wrapped in gauze and repeat the steps above. The tannic acid in the tea will assist in controlling the bleeding.
    
    
  • If profuse bleeding is still occurring after 3-4 hours, and the above measures have been taken, call the number at the bottom of this paper immediately.
    
    
• ICE ICE ICE... should be used to control swelling as much as possible. Apply ice packs at 15 minute on/15 minutes off intervals to reduce the swelling. After 72 hours heat will relieve the swelling. Swelling is part of the healing process and can be expected to peak after 3 days and up to 1 week depending on the nature and extent of the surgery. Did we mention ICE ICE ICE.
  
  
• Do not rinse... or use a mouthwash for at least 24 hours. After 24 hours, lightly rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon table salt in 8 oz. of warm water) every 1-2 hours is recommended, especially important after any meal. Do not use vigorous, mouth washing action. The use of commercial mouthwashes during the healing period is not advised due to the alcohol content.
  
  
• Discomfort... Following dental surgery it is normal to experience some discomfort. If medication has been given or prescribed, take as instructed. Swelling and discomfort can increase for up to 72 hours after surgery. This is similar to after working out or lifting weights, the soreness does not peak until 2-3 days after exercise. Keep this in mind and be sure to control pain with medicine for at least the first 3 days to be safest.
  
  
• The toothbrush... may be carefully used in the area of the mouth not involved by the surgical procedures. A clean mouth heals faster.
  
  
• Avoid... exercise, use of physical force, or enter stressful situations for the first 72 hours. This will increase your heartrate and thereby blood pressure. Don't pick at the surgical area.
  
  
• Sutures... If they were used, will dissolve by themselves. It is normal for them to become looser over time as you begin to heal. It may take up to two weeks for them to dissolve completely. Do not attempt to cut them out even if you feel they are annoying. Your tongue will naturally begin to play with the sutures and dissolve them.
  
  
• Medications... Make sure you take your prescribed medications strictly following instructions. Women taking birth control medications should be aware that antibiotics can cause the birth control medications to be ineffective possibly resulting in pregnancy. Alternate methods should be used while on the antibiotics.
  
  
• Allergic reactions... symptoms include Skin Rash/Itching, Hives, Elevated Temperature, Increased and/or Erratic Heart Rate, Nausea/Vomiting, Dizziness/fainting, Blurred Vision. Call our office immediately or the number at the bottom of this page. If we are not available at the time, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
  
  

YOUR DIETARY NEEDS

LIQUIDS

VITAMIN THERAPY

AFTER SURGERY

• Milk, along with cooked cereals, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, and milk toast are recommended for the initial day following surgery.
• Soup, broiled fish, stewed chicken, mashed potatoes, and cooked vegetables can be added to your diet as your comfort indicates.
• Nutriment, Ensure, Sego, and/or yogurt supply excellent added nutrition. These are especially indicated if other soft foods are not taken in.
• Please avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes, orange juice, and citrus foods, as they may cause discomfort.
• Should you not be able to chew solid foods of any nature, for several days or longer, contact our office.
• Above all, eat a nutritious diet, with soft foods.