Care Following Dental Surgery
Proper care of the mouth following most surgical procedures can reduce complications and speed healing of the surgical area.
1. Protect the blood clot by gently biting on the gauze sponge that has been placed over the surgical area. Keep steady, firm pressure for 45 minutes. Repeat as often as needed. If the bleeding continues after replacing the gauze five times, repeat the procedure two more times using a moistened tea bag.
2. Do not rinse or swish for at least 24 hours. After 24 hours, rinsing with warm salt water every 1 - 2 hours and after eating is recommended. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of table salt in one cup of warm, not hot, water. Rinse gently and spit out. Repeat several times.
3. Avoid all excessive activity, picking at the surgical area, consuming liquids through a drinking straw, alcoholic beverages, and refrain from smoking until healing is well established.
4. Take any prescribed medications as instructed. It is normal to experience some discomfort following dental surgical procedures. Avoid taking medications containing aspirin.
5. Allergic reactions as indicated by generalized rash, itching, swelling of the lips, etc. requires an immediate call to the doctor. If you have an immediate reaction with swelling in the throat and/or difficulty breathing, call 911.
6. Control swelling of the surgical area by gently applying ice packs to the area for periods of 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off. Continue this procedure only for the first 24 hours.
7. Adequate food and fluid intake following oral surgery (including routine extractions) is most important. If you find your regular diet too difficult, you should supplement your diet with high-nutritional liquids such as Carnation Instant Breakfast.
8. The toothbrush should be carefully used in the area of the mouth not involved by the surgical procedure. A clean mouth heals much faster.
9. Sutures (if used) need to be removed by the doctor in 4 to 7 days. Do not fail to return for the appointment date given.
10. Do not hesitate to call the office, or the doctor personally at any time if any questions or problems arise.
11. Other instructions as applicable will be given by the doctor and/or his assistant following your surgical procedure. Please be sure to follow follow them carefully, as they are intended to ensure the most comfortable and efficient healing time.
1. Protect the blood clot by gently biting on the gauze sponge that has been placed over the surgical area. Keep steady, firm pressure for 45 minutes. Repeat as often as needed. If the bleeding continues after replacing the gauze five times, repeat the procedure two more times using a moistened tea bag.
2. Do not rinse or swish for at least 24 hours. After 24 hours, rinsing with warm salt water every 1 - 2 hours and after eating is recommended. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of table salt in one cup of warm, not hot, water. Rinse gently and spit out. Repeat several times.
3. Avoid all excessive activity, picking at the surgical area, consuming liquids through a drinking straw, alcoholic beverages, and refrain from smoking until healing is well established.
4. Take any prescribed medications as instructed. It is normal to experience some discomfort following dental surgical procedures. Avoid taking medications containing aspirin.
5. Allergic reactions as indicated by generalized rash, itching, swelling of the lips, etc. requires an immediate call to the doctor. If you have an immediate reaction with swelling in the throat and/or difficulty breathing, call 911.
6. Control swelling of the surgical area by gently applying ice packs to the area for periods of 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off. Continue this procedure only for the first 24 hours.
7. Adequate food and fluid intake following oral surgery (including routine extractions) is most important. If you find your regular diet too difficult, you should supplement your diet with high-nutritional liquids such as Carnation Instant Breakfast.
8. The toothbrush should be carefully used in the area of the mouth not involved by the surgical procedure. A clean mouth heals much faster.
9. Sutures (if used) need to be removed by the doctor in 4 to 7 days. Do not fail to return for the appointment date given.
10. Do not hesitate to call the office, or the doctor personally at any time if any questions or problems arise.
11. Other instructions as applicable will be given by the doctor and/or his assistant following your surgical procedure. Please be sure to follow follow them carefully, as they are intended to ensure the most comfortable and efficient healing time.
