Includes Extractions, Implant surgery, Crown lengthening and gingivectomy.

Bleeding

Intermittent bleeding or oozing for the first 24 hours is normal. Bleeding may be controlled by placing fresh gauze over areas and biting on the gauze for 30-45 minutes at a time. If bleeding at the surgical site is persistent or uncontrolled, please call the office.

Sinus

If your sinus was involved in the procedure, you should avoid blowing your nose or playing a wind musical instrument for one week. Use of decongestant medications might be recommended.

Smoking

No smoking or use of tobacco products after surgery.

Pain

To lessen pain and inflammation, take prescribed medication as directed. If you do not have drug allergies or contraindications to ibuprofen or acetaminophen, then it's better to alternate when you take each medication. For example, you could take ibuprofen first, followed by acetaminophen four hours later, and then repeat this process as needed. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking pain prescriptions. Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.

Nausea

This is most often caused by taking pain medications on an empty stomach. Reduce nausea by preceding each pain pill with soft food, and taking the pill with a large glass of water.

Swelling

Applying an ice bag to the face over the operated area will minimize swelling. Apply for 15 minutes, then remove for 15 minutes. Continue this for the first day.

Numbness

The local anesthetic will cause you to be numb for several hours after you leave the office. Be very careful not to bite, chew, pinch, or scratch the numb area. Sometimes surgical procedures cause residual numbness or tingling for six weeks or longer.

Brushing

Do not brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after surgery. After this, you may brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery for 3 days.

Rinsing

Avoid all rinsing or swishing for 24 hours after your procedure. After 24 hours, chlorhexidine rinses are recommended after each meal to promote healing and keep the surgical area(s) clean by flushing out all debris.

Diet

Soft food diet is recommended after dental surgeries. Examples of soft foods include oatmeal, mashed potatoes, bananas and soups and liquids high in minerals, such as fruit and vegetable juices or high protein drinks. Avoid crunchy and sticky foods, such as popcorn, taffy, gum and nuts. Chew on the side of your mouth opposite the side of surgery, if applicable. Do not use a straw for a week to decrease the risk of disturbing the blood clot that has formed after the surgical procedure.

Activity

Keep physical activity to a minimum. Avoid strenuous activity for 2-3 days. Keeping blood pressure lower will reduce bleeding and aid healing.

Antibiotics

If you were given an antibiotic prescription, take all of them as directed until they are gone.

Women: some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use alternate birth control methods for two months.

Following these instructions very closely will greatly help your comfort, and promote uneventful healing of the area. If any of the instructions are not followed, you might have significantly more discomfort, and the success of the procedure may be affected.

After treatment, if you have any further questions, concerns or experience any problems, please contact our office.  We are always happy to help you any way that we can!