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Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours after surgery.
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Keep fingers and tongue away from socket or surgical
area.
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Use ice packs on surgical area (side of face) for
first 24 hours, apply ice 20 minutes on - 10 minutes off. Bags of frozen
peas work well.
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For mild discomfort take Tylenol or Ibuprofen every
three to four hours.
- For severe pain use the prescription given to
you.
- Drink plenty of fluids. (Do not use a straw)
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If the muscles of the jaw become stiff, chewing gum at
intervals will help relax the muscles, as well as the use of warm, moist
heat to the outside of your face over these muscles.
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After the first post-operative day, use a warm
salt-water rinse following meals for the first week to flush out particles
of food and debris, which may lodge in the surgical area. (1/2 teaspoon of
salt in a glass of warm water. Mouthwash can be added for better
taste.)
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Diet may consist of soft foods, which can be easily
chewed and swallowed. No seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, chips, etc.
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A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected
following surgery. Bleeding is controlled by applying pressure to the
surgical area using small rolled gauze for 90 minutes. After that time
remove the gauze and then you may eat or drink.
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We suggest that you do not smoke for at least 5 days
after surgery. Nicotine may break down the blood clot and cause a
"dry-socket,” which is an undesirable side effect.
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After 24 hours, some mild bleeding may persists.
Continue to take your medication if pain persists.
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You may expect swelling for ten days to two weeks and
a fever of 99 degrees F to 100 degrees F.
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24 hours after surgery,
rinse mouth gently with a solution of one-half teaspoonful of salt dissolved
in a glass of water. Repeat after every meal or snack for seven days.
Rinsing is important because it removes food particles and debris from the
socket area and thus helps prevent infection and promotes healing.
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After 24 hours, brush
tongue with a dry toothbrush to keep bacteria growth down, but be careful
not to touch the extraction site. Resume your regular tooth brushing, but
avoid disturbing the surgical site so as not to loosen or remove the blood
clot.
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If you have heavy
bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling two or three days, or a reaction
to the medication, call our office immediately at 408-247-2612
