Use two pieces of gauze from the packets provided, fold into a thick bundle, place directly over the extraction site and keep firm pressure on the gauze. Replace the gauze every 30-60 minutes (when saturated) until bleeding has stopped. Do not change the gauze more frequently than 30 minutes. If gauze is pink when removed, you no longer need to use it.
FIVE THINGS NOT TO DO FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS:
Any of the above can cause increased bleeding after surgery. Some bleeding is to be expected. You may notice oozing for 12 to 24 hours following surgery.
Only liquids (pudding, Jell-o, milkshake, etc.) should be taken the day of surgery if the patient was sedated. Try to maintain an adequate diet by eating soft foods and cold liquids. Use caution with hot soups or coffee. After the day of surgery chewing soft foods is recommended and will help prevent muscular stiffness.
From the time you arrive home following surgery until bedtime, try to remain in a semi-reclined, well propped-up position and avoid physical exertion or exercise.
Swelling of the face following oral surgery is to be expected and is normal. You may help prevent and decrease the swelling by using the ice pack provided. Use the ice pack as much as possible for the first 2 days after surgery. If areas become too chilled, the ice pack can be left off for 15 minutes, but resume as quickly as possible. Swelling is usually greatest 2 days after surgery and then should start to decrease.
Keeping your mouth clean aids in healing. You may brush your teeth using a soft toothbrush and tooth paste starting the night after surgery.
If you are given a prescription for antibiotics it is very important that you take the entire prescription as directed. Prescriptions for pain medication are usually given but we do not recommend filling them. Pain medication can cause adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting and disorientation. Ibuprofen is recommended. See attached sheet for instructions for using ibuprofen.
Most sutures will dissolve after 4-6 days. If non-dissolving sutures were used, you will need an appointment for removal.
The office number (817-468-5400) is answered 24 hours a day.
Gauze should be removed prior to eating, drinking and before bedtime.
A variable amount of discomfort and swelling is usually associated with oral surgery procedures. Instructions for management will be given to you. Please follow instructions carefully.
Most patients are able to resume relatively normal activities within 2 to 3 days after surgery. In a small percentage of patients, this may increase to as much as a week.
A low grade fever is to be expected. Drink plenty of liquids. If the temperature rises above 101 degrees, contact the office.
The blood clot which forms in the opened extraction site may disintegrate resulting in pain in the jaw, ear and neck. This is an uncomfortable situation which usually occurs about 3-5 days after surgery. Recovery takes 1-2 weeks, during which time a medicated dressing is placed in the socket to control discomfort.
Sinus involvement is not unusual following removal of upper teeth. The roots of upper premolar and molar teeth are very close to and often protrude into the sinus and can result in exposure of the sinus. This normally presents no problem, but may result in an opening between the mouth and the sinus and can cause a small amount of bleeding from the nose. This opening will usually close on its own within 6 weeks.
If a patient is fair skinned, there are often areas of bruising on the skin near the surgical area. This can also occur in the mature adult patient.
There will be a bad taste and unpleasant odor in your mouth due to the blood clots that form in the extraction site. Following extraction, the site may form a depression or hollow area which may trap food particles. The odor and food particles may be removed with warm salt water rinses several times per day. Use ½ teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water.
Bone spicules sometimes work their way through the gum tissue and feel sharp to the tongue. In most instances they work out on their own.
The IV site or the medications injected for sedation can sometimes produce an inflammation of the vein called phlebitis. This firmness and tenderness of the vein usually clears up without treatment. If this condition persists without improvement, contact the office.