Instructions For Patients Following Oral Surgery (Extractions)

• Continue to bite with firm pressure on slightly moist gauze for one hour or until the bleeding stops. Biting on moist tea bag can help to stop bleeding. Minor bleeding
  and drainage is expected. Call our office, or go to the emergency room , for significant bleeding that cannot be controlled.
• Brush normally, but do not brush the extraction site directly
• If you have stitches that need to be removed an appointment will be scheduled for you to return. If they are stitches that dissolve, that usually occurs within 3-5 days.
• Take all medications as your doctor prescribed. Notify your doctor immediately if any unusual or unexpected reactions occur, such as itching, hives or difficulty in breathing. Pain medications should be taken as prescribed, but only as needed.
• To reduce swelling and for patient comfort an ice bag may be applied on and off over the area where the tooth was extracted for 36 hours
• Do not use mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide rinse for 7-10 days after surgery . You may gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of water) up to 4 times a day
• Having a fever the day after oral surgery does not necessarily mean you have an infection. It generally means that you need to drink more fluids
• Start out with soft foods until the swelling and soreness has eased, then your diet may be taken as tolerated. Carbonated beverages and milk should be avoided for at least 24 hours after oral surgery/li>
• DO NOT SMOKE or use tobacco for at least 5 days after oral surgery. Avoid using a straw or spitting for at least 24 hours. These actions may cause more bleeding or loss of the clot in the socket. The blood clot is important for proper healing and helps prevent dry socket.
• If food gets lodged in the extraction site, you may gently rinse to dislodge it.
• Over time, the socket will fill with tissue and slowly fill with bone.

These instructions are here to help you with healing. Failure to follow them may result in complications.If you experience: excessive bleeding, swelling, or fever or severe pain, please contact our office at 479-717-2904.