INSTRUCTIONS & INFORMATION FOR POST OPERATIVE ORAL SURGERY

Proper care of the mouth following most Oral Surgery Procedures can reduce complications and speed the healing of the surgical area.

1. DISCOMFORT: A certain amount of discomfort following extractions is not uncommon. If you have been given a prescription, use as directed if necessary.

2. BLEEDING: A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following the extraction. Blood tinted saliva may be seen for about 48 hours. If bleeding occurs after you return home, fold a small gauze pad (to the size of a quarter) and place directly over the bleeding socket for at least 30 minutes, holding it in place with moderate biting pressure. It may be necessary to repeat this procedure. Do not smoke for at least 24 hrs. following the extraction. Forceful spitting and excessive physical activity tend to increase and prolong bleeding as does bending over and picking up objects. A semi-reclining position with the head elevated and rest for the first few hours is recommended.

3. SWELLING.: To help minimize ordinary immediate swelling following the extraction, apply an ice pack to the face over the area of extraction (20 minutes on - 20 minutes off) FOR FIRST 6 HOURS. (Alternate sides if surgery was performed on two sides). You may suck ice chips or crushed ice. This thins out the saliva, keeps the surgery site cold, and reduce swelling.

4. DO NOT DISTURB THE BLOOD CLOT: Its greyish or yellowish appearance and slight odor do not indicate an infected condition. Keep fingers, tooth picks, or other matter that may cause infection out of the mouth. Keep your tongue away from the area of extraction.

5. SALT WATER RINSE. Vigorous mouth washing may stimulate bleeding by breaking clots which have formed. Therefore, DO NOT RINSE your mouth for 24 hours following extractions. You may then gently rinse the mouth with a warm salt water solution( 1/2 teaspoon salt to 8 oz. glass of warm water) 4 or 5 times a day for several days. This solution promotes cleansing and healing. Food particles which may have lodged in the surgical site will be flushed away. Circulation will be increased and healing hastened. If bleeding continues, stop all mouth rinsing and follow instruction in paragraph 2 regarding bleeding. Do not rinse with commercial mouth washes. After 24 hours we encourage you to brush the teeth with a soft toothbrush.

6. DIET:   It is important to maintain a good diet. A liquid to soft diet is advisable for the first day. You should drink plenty of fluid (6 to 8 glasses per day). Following the day of surgery it is suggested that you eat soft foods which require little chewing. You can gradually progress to solid foods as tolerable.

7. ELIMINATION: The medications that have been prescribed are sometimes constipating. Keep bowel movements normal.

8. BONE FRAGMENTS: During the healing process, small sharp fragments of bone may loosen and work through the gum. These fragments, which are not roots, usually work out of their own accord, but if they are annoying return to the office for their simple removal.

9. NAUSEA: In some patients general anesthetic causes nausea and vomiting. If this occurs try drinking a few swallows of carbonated drink, i.e. gingerale. Mild tea, clear broth or Coca-Cola will usually alleviate this.

10. INFECTIONS:  Rarely infection occurs at the surgical site. Antibiotics may be prescribed at the discretion of the doctor. However, if pain increases suddenly several days following surgery or there is a sudden increase in swelling or temperature, please call our office for a check-up appointment.

11. SUTURES: Sutures may have been placed during your surgery. Both dissolving (clear) and non-dissolving (black) may have been used. You will be asked to return to the office for their simple removal.

12. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: may have a magnified effect when combined with pain medication - avoiding all alcohol is advised.

13. PENECILLIN: Penecillin may counteract the protection of birth control pills. Alternative precautions are advised.

TO REPEAT: Remove your gauze upon returning home. Bleeding is expected for 24 hours. DO NOT replace your gauze if it is minimal. Only if bleeding is excessive is it necessary to replace the pack. It should be folded into a small tight wad (about the size of a quarter) and placed directly over the socket and held for 30 minutes. Placement of the gauze pack solely between the teeth will not work. It must be placed over the bleeding socket and held with biting pressure! Swelling reaches maximum around 48 hours following surgery. Do not be alarmed.

Try to call our office during the day if you think you are having a problem.

*SPECIAL SINUS INSTRUCTIONS:
If you have been instructed to follow sinus instructions please:
1.   Do Not Try To Stop A Sneeze!
2.   No Forceful Nose Blowing.
3.   Do Nothing To Cause An Increase In Sinus Pressure. (Horn Blowing Etc.)
4.   Use A Decongestant Such As Afrin To Keep Nasal Passages Clear.
5.   Take Medication As Prescribed.