Post-operative care is important for trouble-free healing, and recovery may be delayed if it is not followed, resulting in “dry sockets” and intense pain. Pain and swelling from extractions and injection site can peak up to 72 hours after procedure before beginning to lessen.
THE DAY OF SURGERY:
BLEEDING
- Keep gauze packed in placed for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- If bleeding continues, repeat this procedure. Pressure should be firm and consistent.
- If you run out of gauze or if bleeding persists, use a dampened teabag.
- Some oozing of blood and discoloration of the saliva is to be expected, and may last through the night.
- Keep head elevated and rest quietly.
AVOID
- SMOKING OR TOBACCO FOR 72 HOURS.
- Spitting
- Sucking
- Straws
- Carbonated (sodas), hot, or alcoholic beverages.
- Rinsing and mouth washes.
- Hot, hard or spicy foods.
- Exercise.
PAIN
- Take prescribed medications as directed.
- Take anit-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen (unless allergic) before anesthetic has worn off. Continue for 5-7 days.
- Use ice packs for swelling over area, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
- After numbness wears off, chew soft nutritious foods on opposite side and drink fluids.
FROM SECOND DAY UNTIL HEALING IS COMPLETE:
- Begin eating normally as soon as it is comfortable.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water. Use 1 teaspoon of salt per glass of water. Rinse 2 to 3 times a dat the week following extraction.
- Continue taking antibiotics for the indicated length of time, even if all signs of infection are gone.
- Resume brushing and flossing, but clean gently around site for 1 week.
WHEN TO CALL US (520) 797-4844
It is normal to experience some discomfort and swelling for several days after a tooth extraction, but call us right away if you have:
- Heavy or increased bleeding.
- Pain or swelling that increases after the third day.
- A bad taste or odor in your mouth.
- A reaction to the medication.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENT AFTER SOFT TISSUE CURETTAGE AND ROOT PLANNING
BLEEDING:
Slight temporary bleeding within the first few hours is not unusual. Persistent or excessive bleeding should be reported to the office.
DISCOMFORT:
Some discomfort is to be expected when the anesthesia wears off. If needed, take 2 NON aspirin containing products as it will slow down clotting time. Expect some sensitivity, including cold sensitivity on root surface and pressure sensitivity in and around the gum tissue, this will diminish with time.
EATING:
It is advisable to limit yourself to a soft diet immediately following the procedure, with an attempt to follow your regular diet as soon as possible. Avoid chewing in the treated area(s). Omit foods that are highly seasoned, spicy or hot. Care should be taken to eliminate seedy foods such as popcorn, nuts or other foods that may lodge beneath the gum tissue for 10 days.
SMOKING:
Try to limit your smoking as it contributes to inflammation and will interfere with healing.
TISSUE COLOR:
Do not become alarmed if you notice changes in the tissue color (gray,white, brown, purple and blue). This is part of the normal healing process.
HEALING:
Removal of the hard and soft inflammed tissue creating a surgical type wound. Healing begins within the first 24 hours following treatment and continues up to 28-45 days before reaching it’s normal thickness. Home procedures of brushing, flossing and massaging are IMPERATIVE during thses stages. Healing is dependant on complete plaque and debris removal on a daily basis.
SWELLING:
In some cases, slight swelling is to be expected. If you experience excessive swelling in the area, call the office immediately.
HOME CARE:
Meticulous cleansing of the oral tissues as instructed is essential for healing. Gentle care using a soft brush is recommended on treated areas for the first couple of days. Try to remove all plaque and debris throughout the mouth. Remember to brush the tongue.