Care of Mouth After Oral Surgery

• Do not rinse or spit for 72 hours after surgery.
• Keep fingers and tongue away from socket or surgical area.
• Use ice packs on surgical area (side of face) for first 24 hours, apply ice 30 minutes on — 30 minutes off. Bags of frozen peas work well.
• For mild discomfort take Tylenol or Ibuprofen every three to four hours.
• For severe pain use the medication prescribed to you.
• Drink plenty of fluids. (Do not use a straw for 72 hours.
• If the muscles of the jaw become stiff, the use of warm, moist heat to the outside of your face over these muscles will help relax them. Use warm, moist heat 20 minutes every hour while awake.
• After the third 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.)
• Diet may consist of soft foods which can be easily chewed and swallowed. No seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, etc.
• 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 20-30 minutes. After that time remove the gauze and then you may eat or drink. Replace the gauze as necessary. If bleeding persists, a moist tea bag should be placed in the area of bleeding and bite firmly for one hour straight. This will aid in clotting blood. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding still persists call our office.
• We suggest that you do not smoke for at least 3 days after surgery. Nicotine may break down the blood clot and cause a “dry-socket”.
• Feel free to contact us if any doubt arises as to your progress and recovery.

A certain amount of bleeding, pain, and swelling is normal. Reduce your activity as much as possible for several hours. Avoid eating, drinking, and unnecessary talking. Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for 72 hours. These activities may hinder formation of a blood clot which is necessary for proper healing.

Do not be alarmed if your vision is blurred for a time following anesthesia or if a “black and blue” bruise should appear at the site of an injection. The arm also may be bruised, swollen and tender to touch due to the IV.

Follow the simple instructions below to minimize complications and help ensure prompt recovery:

To control bleeding

Immediately following procedure:
Keep a steady pressure on the bleeding area by biting firmly on the gauze placed there by your doctor. Pressure helps reduce bleeding and permits formation of a clot in the tooth socket. Gently remove the compress after the local anesthesia has worn off and normal feeling has returned.

After 24 hours:
Some oozing of blood may persist. If necessary, resume use of moist tea bags. After bleeding has stopped, cautiously resume oral hygiene.

To relieve pain

Immediately following the procedure:
Begin taking medication as directed by your doctor to minimize discomfort when the anesthesia wears off and feeling is back to normal. Application of an ice bag can also help relieve discomfort.

After 24 hours:
Continue to take your medication if pain persists.

To minimize swelling

Immediately following procedure:
Apply an ice bag over the affected area. Use 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off for 24 hours to help prevent excessive swelling and discomfort. If an ice bag is unavailable, simply fill a heavy plastic bag with crushed ice. Tie end securely and cover with a soft cloth to avoid skin irritation.

After 24 hours:
It should not be necessary to continue with cold applications. You may expect swelling for 5-7 days and a fever of 99 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Special considerations following removal of impacted teeth:

• Removal of impacted teeth is a surgical procedure. Post-operative problems are not unusual, and extra care must be taken to avoid complications.
• Severity of postoperative pain will depend on the procedure and your physical condition. Take medication for pain precisely as directed.
• Healing of the surgical site is variable.
• Swelling can be expected. Be certain to apply ice bags as directed above.
• Difficulty in opening your mouth widely and discomfort upon swallowing should be anticipated.
• Numbness of lips and/or tongue on the affected side may be experienced for a variable period of time.

Oral hygiene is important

Seventy-two 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 promote healing. Brush tongue with a 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.

Maintain a proper diet

Have your meals at the usual time. Eat soft, nutritious foods and drink plenty of liquids — with meals and in between. Have what you wish, but be careful not to disturb the blood clot. Add solid foods to your diet as soon as they are comfortable to chew.

In case of problems

You should experience no trouble if you follow the instructions and suggestions as outlined. But if you should have any problems such as excessive bleeding, pain, or difficulty in opening your mouth, call our office immediately for further instructions or additional treatment.

Remember your follow-up visit

It is often advisable to return for a post-operative visit to make certain healing is progressing satisfactorily. A follow-up visit will be scheduled. In the meantime, maintain a healthful diet, observe rules for proper oral hygiene, and visit your dentist for regular checkups.