After Oral Surgery

Printable Version of these instructions

Bleeding:

• Place a folded gauze compress directly over the surgical site and bite with moderate Replace the gauze every 30-45 minutes for 1-2 hours. Remove the gauze after 2 hours.
• A small amount of red tinge to the gauze or slow oozing from the surgical site is normal at 2 For the first 12-24 hours it is common to have slow oozing and a red tinge in your saliva.
• Stay in an upright position until the bleeding has slowed
• Bleeding can take longer to stop, especially if you are taking blood
  • If you continue to bleed with pooling of blood after 2 hours, replace the gauze pads or place a moist tea bag over the surgical site and bite with strong pressure for 20-30 minutes
• Be sure to remove the gauze and do not leave it in place all day If bleeding persists after using tea bags and applying pressure, call the office for further instructions.

Hygiene:

• Avoid rinsing your mouth rigorously and forcefully spitting for 48 hours after
• You may resume brushing your teeth the day after Avoid brushing the surgical sites in the first 3- 5 days as this can be painful and impair healing.
• A syringe may be provided to flush food debris out of the Hygiene is very important to prevent infections and promote wound healing.
• Mouthrinse
  • Without Syringe: After 48 hours, rinse with 50/50 mixture of water and Peridex/Periogard after every meal and bedtime for 7 days.
    • If not provided with prescription for Peridex/Periogard, rinse using warm salt water or gold
  • With Syringe: After 48 hours, carefully flush all lower surgical sites after every meal and at bedtime with 50/50 mixture of Peridex/Periogard. Place the plastic tip of the syringe gently into the opening of the socket and slowly flush each lower socket with 1-2 syringes worth of liquid until no more food or debris can be visualized. A mirror or flashlight may be helpful to see the site.
  • Do not rinse using syringe if bone graft material has been placed in socket!
• Smoking, vaping, spitting, and drinking through a straw should be avoided for 7 days following any oral surgery to avoid a dry

Diet:

• Nutrition is important for We encourage you to have adequate caloric intake and use diet preparations such as protein shakes/smoothies (Muscle Milk), instant breakfast (Ensure/Boost) to help with post operative recovery.
• Soft, room-temperature foods are best following Any food that is soft enough to push through with a fork is the correct consistency.
• Examples of good post-surgery foods: Jello, yogurt, ice cream, applesauce, eggs, pasta, well cooked vegetables, room temperature/cold soup.
• Avoid hot, sharp, crunchy or spicy foods (hot drinks, chips) or foods with grains/nuts that can get easily stuck in extraction sites.
• As pain resolves over 3-5 days, you can slowly advance to a more regular Rule of thumb: if a certain food causes pain, avoid for a few days and continue with soft diet.

 

Fluids:

• You may start drinking fluids right away after surgery (remove gauze prior to doing so). This is important especially after IV Adults should consume between 2-3 quarts of fluids daily.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking prescription
• Avoid using straws, small mouth water bottles or carbonated beverages for at least 48
• Iced tea can help slow bleeding in the first few days after

Swelling/Bruising:

• Swelling following surgery is expected and typically peaks around 48-72 hours following surgery.
• Bruising can appear 48-72 hours after This can be present on areas adjacent to the surgical site but also extend to other parts of the face, chin, neck and chest.
• Do not lay flat for 24 Sleep at 45 degrees in a recliner or elevating the head with several pillows.
• Ice: To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the face or the area of surgery for 20 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes. Continue this alternating process for 24-48 hours.
• After 48 hours, you may discontinue ice packs and moist heat application can be used to help with muscle

 

Rest:

• Avoid rigorous activity (exercise, heavy lifting) for at least 2-3 days after
• Following third molar surgery, or more extensive procedure, it is recommended to avoid exercise for 5-7 days as these can be require more post operative recovery
• Always resume exercise gradually over a period of 2-3

Sutures:

• Dissolving sutures: usually fall out within 7
• Non dissolving sutures: an appointment will be made to remove the sutures in 1-2

Sinus Precautions:

• If you have been told to take these precautions due to your tooth’s anatomy in relation to the sinus, please follow them strictly for the next two weeks.
• Do not blow your nose (you can wipe gently with a tissue if needed), do not forcibly spit, do not use a straw, do not smoke cigarettes, or use a vape pen, avoid swimming or heavy weightlifting, and always sneeze with your mouth wide Avoid SCUBA diving, flying in a pressurized aircraft, or playing musical instruments that require a blowing action.
• All these measures help reduce the pressure in your nose (which is directly connected to your sinus).
• You may also be prescribed a nasal decongestant to help maintain sinus

 

Pain:

• Amount and duration of pain can vary per patient and surgical
• Please see attached medication list regarding your specific
• If you do not have medical conditions or allergies that prevent you from taking ibuprofen or Tylenol, we generally recommend staggering doses of Ibuprofen and Tylenol around the clock for the first 48 This helps with swelling and keeps your pain levels low during its peak. It is also beneficial to take a dose of ibuprpfen before the local anesthetic numbing wears off.
  • Example of main medication schedule: Ibuprfen 600 mgs every 6-8 hours (take at 8am, 2pm, 8pm, 2am) with Tylenol 500mg every 6-8 hours (take at 11am, 5pm, 11pm, 5am).
• If prescribed, you can use the narcotic medication as needed for severe pain – but please be mindful that taking these can cause risks and side effects that can cause tolerance, dependence, constipation, nausea, dry mouth, sleepiness, confusion, itching, and dry Do not drive a motor vehicle or heavy machinery while taking these medications.
• After 48 hours, both medications can be used as If you cannot use / tolerate Ibuprofen, use Tylenol.

 

Antibiotics:

• Antibiotics may be prescribed due to the number of bacteria present in the mouth that can cause are prescribed before or after surgery to prevent or treat infection.
• Please see attached medication list for specific medication and
• If the antibiotic upsets your stomach or causes a rash, it is OK to discontinue it as long as you continue with the Perioguard rinse (also an antibiotic) and please inform your
• If you miss a dose, don’t worry, just continue with your next scheduled

 

*** Concerning findings include a fever above 101.3˚ F, foul-tasting drainage, a rapid increase in swelling, and severe pain not relieved by pain medication. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing or swallowing, please call 911. During business hours, please call our office at Bedford Office Phone Number 603-883-4008 with any questions or concerns***

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL
Bedford Office Phone Number 603-883-4008