| a. |
Bleeding - A certain amount of bleeding
is to be expected following a surgical procedure.
Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. Bleeding is best controlled by the use of pressure. Excessive bleeding may be controlled by placing a gauze pad over the area and biting firmly for thirty minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding has not decreased in 3-4 hours, bite on a dampened tea bag placed directly over the surgical site. The tannic acid in the tea helps the blood to clot.
|
| b. |
Swelling - The amount of swelling that is
normally expected after an extraction depends on the type of surgery. Swelling around the mouth, cheek, eyes, and side of the face is not uncommon. The swelling sometimes may not appear immediately, and it may occur up to 2-3 days post-surgery. You can help to minimize the swelling by applying ice packs to the affected area. For the first 3 hours, apply the ice
packs directly to the area, alternating on for 20
minutes then off for 20 minutes.
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| c. |
Pain - Postoperative pain will be the
most severe the first day after surgery. It is beneficial to take your pain medication as prescribed by us before your numbness wears off. DO NOT take the pain medication on an empty stomach as nausea may result. The prescribed medicine may make you drowsy. DO NOT
drive an automobile or operate machinery, and AVOID
alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more each day. If pain persists, it may require attention, and you should contact our office.
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| d. |
Antibiotics - If you have been placed on
antibiotics, take the medicine as directed.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent infection. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction.
|
| e. |
Nausea and Vomiting - In the event of
nausea and/or vomiting following surgery, DO NOT
take anything by mouth for at least an hour,
including the prescribed medication. You should then sip on water, tea, or juice. Sip slowly over a
fifteen-minute period. When nausea subsides, you can begin taking solid foods and the prescribed medication.
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| f. |
Sutures - If any sutures were required,
they will dissolve on their own in 7-10 days. It will not be necessary to return to the office for sutures to be removed.
|
| g. |
Activity - Over-exertion may start or
intensify your pain. AVOID excessive work or play.
It is not necessary to stay indoors following uncomplicated surgery. However, rest and minimal activity will help to minimize pain, swelling, and bleeding. Normal activity may be resumed the following day as tolerated.
|
| h. |
Cleaning - Do not rinse or spit
vigorously for the first 24 hours following surgery.
You can brush your teeth the night of the surgery but rinse gently. The day after surgery, you should begin rinsing four times a day and after eating. Do this gently as to not dislodge the blood clot. To rinse, mix a teaspoon of salt and a cup of warm water. DO NOT use a non-prescription rinse for 24
hours after surgery. Clean the rest of your mouth as usual.
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| i. |
Diet - It is advisable to eat only soft,
non-spicy food for the first few days following surgery. AVOID hot food or liquid that could agitate the already inflamed area. AVOID rice, grits, and foods that are very small that may become lodged in the area.
|
| j. |
Special Considerations - Trismus
(stiffness) in the face, muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a period of days. Moist heat compresses can minimize this condition. You may experience aching from other teeth. This discomfort is caused by referred pain and is a temporary condition. It is not unusual to develop bruising in the area of the extraction. There may be a slight elevation in temperature for 24-48 hours. If the fever persists, please contact our office.
|
| k. |
Dry Socket - A “dry socket” is the loss
of the blood clot in the socket. This condition
creates a delayed healing at the extraction site and
presents symptoms such as pain in the ear, chin,
adjacent teeth, and jaw. The discomfort usually
begins about the third or fourth day after the
surgery and can last for many days. The cause of a
dry socket is unknown, but it can be attributed to
the difficulty of the surgery, increased age,
medications (such as birth control pills), and
smoking. Treatment is their for the symptoms .
Contact office immediately.
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