After Extraction

Discomfort

  • Follow instructions carefully to avoid unnecessary discomfort. Some discomfort is normal and to be expected. The level and duration varies between patients.
  • Take the prescribed or recommended pain medications as directed.


Rest

  • Rest quietly with your head elevated for the remainder of the day.
  • Always get up slowly from a reclining position to prevent dizziness.
  • Limit physical activity as if you have a cold or the flu.
  • To encourage rapid healing please REST!


Ice

  • As soon as possible, place an ice pack on your face over the surgical area; 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
  • Use the ice pack for the first 6 hours following surgery. This will contribute to your comfort and minimize swelling.
  • Moist heat may be applied the day following surgery for added comfort.


Medication

  • Ideally, pain medication should be taken BEFORE numbness wears off.
  • If an antibiotic was prescribed, take it as directed until it is ALL GONE.
  • Some pain medications may cause lightheadedness. Lying down will help this.
  • Some medications may cause an upset stomach. Taking these with food will lessen this side-effect.


Mouth Care

  • Do not brush, floss, rinse and spit the day of surgery as it can dislodge the clot that has formed in the extraction site.
  • Begin rinsing very gently with Chlorhexidine mouth-rinse 24 hours after your surgery.
  • You may begin to brush NON-SURGICAL areas the day following surgery. Remember to rinse very gently. You may begin brushing the surgical areas 1 week after surgery.
  • When brushing the surgical area, run your toothbrush under hot water first to soften the bristles.


Eating

  • Maintain a balanced diet.
  • Eat softer foods such as pasta, eggs, yogurt, baked potatoes or hot cereal.
  • Avoid extremes: very hot, very cold, acidic foods, also hard or crunchy foods.
  • Avoid the use of alcohol for 2 days after the surgery or until you are no longer taking medication.


Fluids

  • Fluids should be consumed as soon as possible. It is recommended that you drink 6-8 glasses of water over the remainder of the day following surgery.
  • Avoid using a straw as it may cause a suction, which may loosen the blood clot and cause bleeding.


Bleeding

  • Slight bleeding from the surgery area is normal, however, extensive bleeding should not occur. If such bleeding should occur, apply firm pressure with moist gauze or a moistened tea bag to the area for 20 minutes.
  • If bleeding does not subside, please call! 727-799-6733


Swelling

  • Some swelling often occurs and this is normal.
  • However, if swelling seems excessive and is accompanied by fever, please call immediately. 727-799-6733


Smoking

  • We strongly advise NOT SMOKING after surgery. Smoking delays the healing, increases discomfort, and may encourage bleeding and infection in the surgical site.