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Instructions Following the Removal of Teeth
BLEEDING: A certain amount of oozing is normal especially following difficult extractions. Avoid spitting or using a straw as it may stimulate bleeding. To control bleeding:
- Place gauze pack directly over the surgical site which is bleeding.
- Bite down firmly on the pack so that pressure is exerted directly on the bleeding site. (If pack is just between the teeth, no pressure will reach the bleeding tissue and no benefit will be achieved).
- Maintain the pressure pack in place, with no blood escaping for 30 minutes.
- Repeat the same procedure as necessary.
- You may substitute a tea bag (soaked in hot water,squeezed damp-dry) for 20 - 30 minutes.
- If bleeding persists, please call our office.
PAIN: Take prescription(s) as directed. If additional relief is required, and you are not allergic to Advil (Ibuprofen), take one or two tablets with milk or water every 3 or 4 hours in addition to regular pain prescription. Since the pain is most severe as the anesthetic wears off, if you take the first pill before then, you will be able to manage any discomfort better.
NAUSEA: Nausea is not an uncommon event after surgery, and it is sometimes caused by stronger pain medicines or medicines used for general anesthesia. If nausea occurs, limit diet to small sips of clear liquids (Seven-Up, Ginger Ale, iced tea, iced coffee) for 12 to 24 hours. If pain pills cause nausea, take them one at a time with a small snack, or a glass of milk. An over the counter medication, Emetrol, may be used as well. Please contact our office if repeated vomiting is a problem.
SWELLING: A certain amount of swelling is expected especially with difficult extractions or impactions. This swelling can be somewhat inhibited by the immediate use of an ice pack after surgery. Place pack on face for 15 minutes, then off for 15 minutes. This should be applied for the first 12 hours for maximum benefit.
DIET: It is advisable to confine the first day's intake to bland liquids or puree food (creamed soups, pudding, yogurt, milk shakes, etc.). Over the next several days you can progress to solid foods as comfort dictates. If you take nourishment regularly, you will feel better, gain strength, have less discomfort and heal faster.
RINSING: 24 hours after surgery, use a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of salt in glass of warm water as needed to freshen the mouth. Tooth brushing should continue in the non-surgical areas, but be gentle. Do not rinse at all if any seepage of blood is present. Do not smoke for 48 hours following surgery.
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