Post-Operative Instructions

First 24 Hours

1. Gauze and bleeding control: Keep the gauze pad placed on the surgical area and apply pressure by biting on the gauze until bleeding stops. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon after an extraction.
2. Do not rinse or spit: Do not rinse, spit, brush your teeth, suck on a straw, or smoke for the first 24 hours after surgery. Avoid touching the affected area, as this may dislodge the clot and restart bleeding.
3. Diet and fluids: Once home, begin with clear fluids such as juice, lukewarm broth, tea, or Jell-O. Progress slowly to more substantial soft foods. Maintain adequate fluid intake, at least eight 8 oz glasses per day.
4. Activity: Rest and minimal activity will help reduce pain, swelling, and bleeding. Avoid excessive work or play. Normal activity may be resumed the following day as tolerated.

Pain, Medication, and Nausea

1. Pain medication: Take all medications as directed. It is important to take pain medication before the numbness wears off, and to have something in your stomach before taking pain medication.
2. Medication options: For discomfort or pain, use Advil 200 mg, 3 tablets every 7 hours, and/or Tylenol 500 mg, 2 tablets every 7 hours, unless you have been advised otherwise.
3. Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medication.
4. Nausea: Nausea can occur after the procedure and is usually caused by the anesthetic or pain medication. If nausea occurs, Gravol can be taken. If nausea is persistent or vomiting occurs, please contact the office.
5. Constipation: Pain medication can cause constipation. A laxative may be necessary; please consult your family doctor or pharmacist before taking laxatives.
6. Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent infection. If you have been placed on antibiotics, take the medicine as directed. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or any other reaction and contact the office.

Bleeding, Swelling, and Cleaning

1. Bleeding: Bleeding is best controlled with pressure. Place a folded gauze pad over the area and bite firmly for 30 minutes. Repeat until bleeding stops. If you run out of gauze or bleeding has not decreased in 3 to 4 hours, dampen a tea bag and place it over the extraction site. The tannic acid in tea helps the blood clot.
2. Swelling: Swelling around the mouth, cheek, eyes, and side of the face is not uncommon. It may appear up to 2 to 3 days after surgery. For the first 3 hours, apply ice packs directly to the affected area, alternating 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Applying ice after 24 hours has no beneficial effect.
3. Rinsing after 24 hours: After the first 24 hours, use warm saltwater rinses every 4 hours and after meals to flush out food particles and debris. Mix one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse gently to avoid dislodging the clot.
4. Brushing: You can start gentle brushing 24 hours after surgery. Clean the rest of your mouth as usual.

Diet, Sutures, and Dry Socket

1. Diet: Eat only soft, non-spicy foods for the first few days after your extraction. Avoid hot food or liquid that could agitate the area. Avoid very small foods, such as rice, that may become lodged in the extraction area.
2. Sutures: If non-resorbable sutures were required, please keep your appointment, which will be made for 7 to 10 days after the extraction. If resorbable sutures were placed, they will dissolve between 3 and 7 days.
3. Dry socket: A dry socket is the loss of the blood clot in the socket. This can delay healing and cause pain in the ear, chin, adjacent teeth, and jaw. Discomfort often begins around the third or fourth day after surgery and can last for many days.