Extractions: Post Operative Instructions

Post Operative Instructions For All Extractions

A gauze pressure pack has been placed in your mouth. Bite on this for 20 minutes. If at the end of this time there is still some blood oozing, replace gauze with fresh sterile gauze and bite on it for a similar period of time.
Do not rinse, spit, smoke or drink anything through a straw for 24 hours.
Avoid strenuous exercise and extremes in temperature when eating.
Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for 48 hours and never mix alcohol with any other drugs that have been prescribed.
Slight oozing of blood for a day or two is normal. If bleeding is excessive bite on fresh gauze or a moistened tea bag until bleeding stops (black tea).
Keep the rest of your mouth clean by brushing and flossing the other areas beginning 24 hours after surgery. Warm salt water rinses 4 times a day after the first day improves healing
Fill prescribed pain medications and antibiotics. Take pain medications if necessary and be sure to observe the warnings on the bottle. If possible, start taking Advil or Ibuprofen immediately to reduce discomfort.
If sutures have been placed, they will dissolve in a week or 10 days. You do not need a follow-up appointment with the doctor to have them removed.

Upon returning home, rest for the remainder of the day. Stay in a sitting or semi-reclining position.
Post-operative swelling must be considered normal following the removal of most impacted lower wisdom teeth. This swelling may be minimized by the use of external ice packs over the area of surgery. The ice pack should be kept on area for 15 minutes and off for 15 minutes. Continue this cycle for 24 hours. Do not keep ice pack on constantly. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated will also minimize swelling. Swelling usually reaches a peak in 40 hours.
Expect soreness for several days. To relieve muscle tension after 24 hours it is helpful to gently massage the area and exercise the jaw.