Bite firmly on gauze pack for one hour, and then remove it gently.
Don’t smoke or vape for 1 week because this can interfere with the healing process.
Bleeding
Some blood oozing from the area of surgery is normal.
Don’t spit or suck through a straw since this promotes bleeding.
If bleeding recurs, place a small damp gauze pack directly over the tooth socket and bite for one hour.
Keep your head elevated with several pillows or sit on a lounge chair.
Discomfort
Some discomfort is normal after the surgery; it can be controlled and eliminated by taking pain relievers your dentist has prescribed.
Take the pain pills with a whole glass of water and with a small amount of food if the pill causes nausea.
Don’t drive or drink alcohol if you take prescription pain pills.
Diet
It is important to drink plenty of fluids.
Avoid hot, spicy, salty, acidic and crunchy foods for 1-2 days after surgery.
Avoid alcoholic drinks for 1 week.
Cold, soft foods such as ice cream or yogurt may be the most comfortable for the first day.
Eat normal, regular meals 1-2 days after the surgery.
Oral hygiene
Don’t rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after the surgery.
After 8 hours, rinse gently with oral antiseptic. After 24 hours, rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz. of warm water) with antiseptic every 4 hours.
Brush your teeth gently but avoid the area of surgery.
Swelling
Swelling after surgery is a normal body reaction; it reaches its maximum about 48 hours after surgery and usually lasts 4-6 days.
Applying ice packs over the area of surgery for the first 24 hours help control swelling and may help in making the area more comfortable. Apply warm compress after 24 hours.
Rest
Avoid strenuous activity for 1-2 days after your surgery.
Bruising
You may experience mild bruising in the area of surgery. This is a normal response in some people and should not be the cause for alarm. It will disappear within 7-14 days. If not, call your surgeon.
Stiffness
After the surgery, you may experience jaw and muscle stiffness and limited opening of your mouth. This is normal and will improve within 5-10 days.
Stitches
If non absorbable stitches have been placed in the area of surgery, you will need to have it removed after 7 days.
Call us if:
You experience excessive discomfort that you cannot control with your pain pills.
You have bleeding that you cannot control by biting on gauze.
You have increased swelling that doesn’t improve after the 3rd day following your surgery.
You feel that you have fever 3 days after the surgery.
