Teeth Extraction Post-op

DO NOT DISTURB THE AREA: For the next few days, and especially the first 24 hours, it is very important to allow your body to form a good clot and start the natural healing process. Blood clots are typically dark brown in color. Swishing, excessive talking, sucking through a straw, and smoking can all dislodge a blood clot. Keep anything sharp from entering the wound such as toothbrushes, crunchy food, toothpicks, and eating utensils. Also chew on the opposite side for 3-4 days.

BLEEDING: When you leave the office, you might be biting on a cotton gauze to control bleeding. Keep firm pressure on this gauze for at least 30 minutes and do not change it during this time; it needs to remain undisturbed while a clot forms in the extraction socket. After 30 minutes you may remove it. If bleeding continues you can repeat the process. Remember that small amounts of blood in the saliva can make your saliva appear quite red. Do not fall asleep with gauze in your mouth.

SMOKING: All smoking and vaping should be stopped following surgery. Healing and success of the surgery will be greatly reduced by chemicals in smoke. Furthermore, the suction created when inhaling cigarettes can displace a blood clot. Smokers are at higher risk for developing a painful dry socket.

PAIN: Discomfort is expected after surgery. Follow the recommended plan as discussed with your dentist and guidelines below based upon your pain level. Your dentist may or may not have prescribed medication for you to pick up at your pharmacy. Please allow 1-2 hours for your pharmacy to fill your prescription. A few tips include:

• Start medication before the numbness wears off and do not skip doses.
• Follow all instructions on medication labels. Do not exceed the dose on the label.
• Do not take ibuprofen if you are pregnant or allergic, or if you are already taking blood thinners like Plavix, Eliquis, or Warfarin.
• Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or important decisions while taking narcotic pain medication. Do not drink alcohol while taking narcotic pain medications. Examples of narcotic pain medication are codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone. Stop taking these medications if nausea, vomiting, or rash occur.

ANTIBIOTICS: If you were prescribed an antibiotic, take it as directed until all tablets gone. Take antibiotics with food to reduce upset stomach. Women: some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.

SWELLING: Applying an ice pack to the outside of the cheek or jaw will reduce swelling. Apply for 15 minutes, then remove for 15 minutes. Continue this for the first day. The most swelling typically occurs on the second or third day.

NUMBNESS: The injections will cause you to be numb for several hours after you leave the office. Be very careful not to bite, chew, pinch, or scratch the numb area. Some extractions can have delayed numbness or tingling for six weeks or longer.

BRUSHING: Do not brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after surgery. After this, you may brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery for 3 days.

RINSING: Avoid all rinsing or swishing for 24 hours after extraction. Rinsing can disturb the formaCon of the blood clot which is essential to proper healing. This could cause bleeding and risk of dry socket. After 24 hours you may begin gentle rinsing with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt + 8 ounces warm water) or a prescribed mouthwash. Avoid commercial mouth rinses such as Listerine.

DIET: Eat soft foods that can easily dissolve in your mouth for the first two days. Return to regular meals as soon as you are able after the first two days. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol for 48 hours.

ACTIVITY: After leaving the office, rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day. Keeping a low blood pressure will reduce your risk of further bleeding.

SINUS: If your dentist talked to you about your extraction opening your sinuses, you should avoid blowing your nose or creating pressure in your mouth for two weeks or until your post-op appointment. Use of antibiotics or a decongestant medication might be recommended.

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS: You may need to return to the office to have sutures removed, or for a brief follow-up healing check. Please listen to and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.

EMERGENCIES AND AFTER HOURS: If you have any of the following symptoms during business hours please call the office you were seen. If a problem occurs after normal business hours please text/call the number you were provided upon departure with your name, birthday, and concern:

• uncontrollable pain
• excessive or severe bleeding
• fever or excessive warm swelling a few days after the procedure
• reactions to medications, especially vomiting, rash, itching, or breathing problems

Following these instructions very closely will greatly help your comfort and promote proper healing of the area. If any of the instructions are not followed, you might have significantly more discomfort, and the success of the procedure might be affected.