Post-Operative Instructions

As you embark on your journey to optimal oral health, it is imperative that you carefully adhere to the post-operative instructions provided by our team of skilled dental professionals. By diligently following these instructions, you not only aid in the healing process but also minimize the risk of complications or discomfort after the surgery. Your commitment to these directives will ultimately contribute to achieving the best possible outcome for your dental health.

Please note: After undergoing oral surgery, the recovery process is often smoother than expected for many patients. The after-effects of the procedure are usually minimal, resulting in less discomfort and a quicker return to normal activities. As a result, not all post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon may be necessary.

BLEEDING

After your procedure, make sure to bite on gauze firmly for at least 45 minutes before removing it.
If bleeding continues, try using a moist tea bag wrapped in gauze and bite down firmly for another 45 minutes.
Do not remove the gauze too early just to check on the bleeding. Leave it in place for at least 30 to 45 minutes to allow a good clot to form.
It is normal to experience some minor bleeding in the first day or two following the surgery.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Stay ahead of the pain for the first 48 hours by taking your first pain pill before the anesthetic wears off. Repeat pain medication every five hours for the first 48 hours. After those 48 hours, adjust the dosage as needed until you transition to OTC meds only (typically after five days). You may continue taking OTC meds, if needed, for up to 10 to 14 days.
Take pain medicine with food to prevent nausea. Use anti-nausea medication if necessary.
Supplement pain meds with OTC anti-inflammatory between doses (600mg of Ibuprofen/Advil every six hours or 440mg of Naproxen/Aleve every 12 hours). Avoid supplementing with Acetaminophen/Tylenol when already included in prescribed medication.

SWELLING

Post-operative instructions for swelling are crucial in ensuring a smooth recovery process. Note that some degree of swelling is normal following surgery, but there are measures that can be taken to minimize its effects.

Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first 12 - 24 hours after surgery to minimize swelling. Switch to warm applications after 24 hours to decrease soreness and stiffness.
Take prescribed steroids immediately after surgery, with the first dose taken as soon as possible. For those utilizing a Medrol dose pack, ensure all indicated pills are taken to catch up to that day's dosage requirement. Remember that steroids are most effective when administered early in the inflammatory cycle, so taking a larger initial dose can enhance their overall impact on reducing swelling.

SIX THINGS TO AVOID FOR THE FIRST 72 HOURS IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE COMPLICATIONS/DRY SOCKET

When preventing complications like dry socket after a tooth extraction, there are six key things that should be avoided in the first 72 hours post-procedure to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.

Smoking: Nicotine can restrict blood flow to the area, delaying healing and increasing the likelihood of developing a dry socket.
Drinking through a straw: The suction created when using a straw can dislodge the blood clot that forms over the extraction site, leading to a dry socket.
Eating hard or crunchy foods: These types of foods can irritate the extraction site and prevent proper healing, increasing the risk of complications like dry sockets.
Skipping your prescribed medications: Painkillers and antibiotics are often prescribed after a tooth extraction to manage pain and prevent infection. Not taking these as directed can lead to increased discomfort and potential complications.
Vigorous rinsing or spitting: Excessively rinsing your mouth or spitting forcefully during the first 72 hours after the extraction can disrupt the blood clot that forms over the wound, leaving you vulnerable to developing a dry socket.
Strenuous physical activity: Avoid engaging in strenuous activities that could increase blood pressure and potentially dislodge the blood clot at the extraction site. It's important to rest and allow your body time to heal properly.

DIET

Eat nutritious foods and liquids: It is important to eat nutritious food and drink plenty of liquids after dental surgery. This will help you feel better, gain strength, have less discomfort, and heal faster.
Avoid certain foods: Stay away from foods that can be difficult to irrigate out of the sockets, such as nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, potato chips, rice, etc. These items may get lodged in the socket areas and cause complications.
Soft foods for 48 hours: Stick to softer foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, and scrambled eggs for the first 48 hours after surgery. This will help manage swelling and discomfort during this peak period.
Chew regularly after 48 hours: Beginning as soon as possible but definitely by 48 hours post-surgery, start chewing on regular foods again. Avoid staying on a soft/liquid diet for too long to prevent muscle spasms or cramps in your jaw muscles.
Common mistake alert! Don't make the common mistake of avoiding chewing for several days straight. Your jaw muscles are accustomed to constant use through talking and eating so giving them a break can lead to issues like limited mouth opening requiring muscle relaxants for correction later.

IRRIGATING SYRINGE

The most important thing to do following extractions is to keep the lower sockets (and upper sockets if necessary) clean using an irrigating syringe provided by your dentist. This should be done beginning on the second day after surgery.

Aggressively remove food particles: It is crucial to aggressively remove all food particles from the sockets any time after eating. Ineffective irrigation can lead to complications such as dry sockets.
Discomfort and bleeding: Irrigating with the syringe may cause some discomfort and a little bleeding in the first few days after surgery. If this does not occur, you may need to be more aggressive with your cleaning routine.
Preventing dry sockets: Allowing food to remain in extraction sockets is a common cause of dry sockets, which can result in inflammation of the bone. Properly irrigating with salt water or a Peridex mix can help prevent this complication.

Duration of irrigation: It is usually necessary to irrigate for a minimum of 10 to 14 days after surgery for proper healing.
Implant/grafted sites: If you have had an implant or grafting done, it is important NOT to use the irrigating syringe in those areas. Avoid chewing on these sites as well for an optimal healing process.

A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER

After your dental surgery, keep a few things in mind to ensure a smooth recovery process. One thing to remember is that swelling is common and typically peaks around 48 hours after the surgery, so don't be alarmed if you wake up more swollen the second morning after the procedure. You may also experience a slight earache or sore throat, which are usually temporary and can be managed by chewing properly and avoiding large or rough food boluses.

Bruising in the extraction area is also not unusual, but your main focus should be on keeping the sockets clean and avoiding any disruption of blood clots during the initial 48 to 72 hours. Nausea may occur due to pain medications, but eating small amounts of food with plenty of clear fluids can help alleviate this discomfort. Additionally, any temporary pain in other teeth, also called referred pain, will subside over time as you heal comfortably and quickly following your surgery.

At our practice, we prioritize your comfort and speedy recovery above all else. We understand that undergoing surgical procedures can be daunting, which is why we want to assure you that we are here to support you every step of the way.

If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact us at any time. Our knowledgeable staff is always ready and willing to address any questions or provide guidance whenever needed. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the care and attention necessary for a smooth healing process.

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