Post Operative Instructions for Extractions and Oral Surgery

Day 1: Continue biting on the gauze for 30 – 60 minutes following your procedure. Do NOT spit, rinse, suck through a straw, smoke, or drink carbonated beverages for at least 3 days. Passively empty your mouth when needed.

• ​The goal is to form a blood clot and keep it in the socket to prevent bleeding and a painful complication known as a DRY SOCKET.

Day 2: You will most likely experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• ​Minor pain, swelling, bruising, limitation in opening or closing your mouth, pain in jaw or ear, sore throat.
• It is important to listen to your body and take it easy. No heavy lifting, spitting, sucking, alcohol or smoking.

Other Important things to note:

• Oral hygiene: Brush gently. A gentle lukewarm saltwater rinse can be used to freshen your mouth. But again, do not spit, just let the fluid passively empty. The corners of your mouth may become cracked and dry – Chapstick can be used to moisten area.
• Discomfort: Over-the-counter pain medication (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, or Tylenol) may be taken as directed on the bottle.
• Swelling: If swelling occurs, place a cold compress to the affected area at 10-minute intervals for the first 24 hours after the swelling appears. Symptoms usually begin to diminish within 72 hours; call the office if there is no change.
• Bleeding: Some oozing of blood is normal for the first 12-24 hours. Put a hand towel on your pillow as some drooling can occur when you are numb. If you experience excessive bleeding, apply firm pressure with 2 folded gauze pads or a damp tea bag on the affected area for 30-60 minutes and keep your head elevated. Call the office if the bleeding does not subside.
• Diet: Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid carbonated and alcoholic beverages.
• A soft diet will be easiest: yogurt, oatmeal, grits, milkshakes without a straw, soups, fish, pasta, rice, soft bread.
• Nothing too spicy is recommended
• It is normal to have a little tenderness while chewing and difficulty opening wide. If you can, just chew on the other side of your mouth.
• Stitches: If you have received stitches, avoid playing with them. Unless otherwise instructed, your sutures will dissolve or fall out on their own in about 7 – 10 days.
• Prescriptions: If you were prescribed an antibiotic, take it as directed until they are all gone, even if your symptoms dissipate. Some antibiotics can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills or other medications. If pain medication or a mouth rinse was prescribed, take it as directed. In the case of any unusual disturbances, questions, or any post-surgical problems, please call the office at 470-523-8118.