Extraction Instructions – Sandy Springs Oral Surgeon
Extraction Instructions
after-effects of oral surgery
Sometimes the after-effects of oral surgery are quite minimal. Therefore, all of these instructions may not apply to you.
Post-Operative Instructions
***Please read all of these instructions carefully***
DAY OF SURGERY
First hour: Bite down gently but firmly on the gauze packs that have been placed over the surgical areas, making sure they remain in place. Do not change them for the first hour unless the bleeding is not controlled. If active bleeding persists, place enough new gauze to obtain pressure over the surgical site for another 30 minutes. The gauze may then be changed as necessary (typically every 30 to 45 minutes). It is best to, moisten the gauze with tap water and loosely fluff for more comfortable positioning. AVOID SPITTING FOR THE NEXT 72 HOURS!
Precision and Expertise
Specialized Skills & Professional Care for Oral Surgery
PERSISTENT BLEEDING
call our office
smooth and pleasant Recovery
It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have any questions or concerns about you progress, please feel free to call our office.
SWELLING
Swelling and sometimes bruising are common after surgery. The maximum swelling, pain, and jaw stiffness normally occurs two or three days after surgery. Apply ice packs for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off until bedtime on the day of the surgery. This will keep swelling to a minimal. Also keep you head elevated while resting for the next 2 or 3 days.
PAIN
Pain & discomfort is greater in the first 72 hours after surgery. Never take the pain medication on an empty stomach. Take pain medicine only as directed, if itching or a rash develops, stop taking all medication and contact our office immediately. If dull pain along with an earache increases on the 3rd or 4th day, call the office to have it checked.
SHARP EDGES
If you feel hard or sharp edges in the surgical areas, it is likely you are feeling the boney walls which once supported the extracted teeth. Occasionally small slivers of bone may work themselves out during the following week or so. If they cause concern or discomfort, please call the office.
EXERCISE CARE
Do not disturb the surgical area today. Starting tomorrow you may brush and floss your teeth as usual avoiding the surgical sites. It is normal for the corners of your mouth to be dry and possibly cracked, apply Vaseline. You may begin rinsing your mouth with warm salt water rinses for at least a week. Avoid rinsing vigorously or probing the area with any objects. Avoid smoking for one week after surgery, this is very detrimental to healing and may cause dry socket, and delay healing.
DIET
It is important to maintain good nutrition following surgery. Eat a lukewarm soft diet they day of surgery (yogurt, oatmeal, pudding, jello, soups at room temperature, etc.) DO NOT SUCK THROUGH A STRAW FOR THE NEXT 72 HOURS! Eat whatever you can the day after surgery but stay away from hard, crunchy, sticky, spicy, chewy foods (peanuts, popcorn, nachos, potato chips, rice, and fried foods) these foods may get lodged in the extraction sites causing pain and sometimes foul odors.
INFECTION
Infection following surgery is rare. However, if swelling and discomfort worsens after the 3rd day following surgery and is accompanied by a foul taste, fever, and difficulty swallowing contact the office or emergency after hour’s number immediately.
