ORAL HYGIENE

Do not rinse vigorously during the first 24 hours following surgery. After the first 24 hours, rinse gently 3–4 times daily with warm salt water (½–1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) for the remainder of the first post-operative week. You may brush all unaffected areas beginning the day after surgery.

BLEEDING

A certain amount of bleeding is expected following oral surgery, especially after the removal of infected or impacted teeth. Most bleeding can be controlled by applying direct biting pressure to gauze placed over the surgical site for 30–45 minutes. Fresh gauze may be used as needed.

If excessive bleeding occurs, gently remove any loose clot with gauze or tissue, then place a gauze roll or a moistened black tea bag directly over the bleeding area and bite down firmly and continuously for 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary to control the bleeding.

Avoid spitting, rinsing vigorously, or using a sucking motion, as these activities may prolong bleeding. Please contact our office if bleeding becomes excessive or cannot be controlled.

PAIN

Please follow the instructions provided with your prescribed medications. Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach, as this may result in nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment while taking prescription pain medication.

SWELLING

To reduce normal post-operative swelling, apply an ice pack to the face over the surgical site for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first 24 hours, as much as possible. Some swelling is normal and typically reaches its maximum on the second or third post-operative day.

DIET

A liquid or soft diet is recommended for at least the first 24 hours. Avoid disturbing the surgical sites or allowing food to collect in the extraction sockets. After the first day, you may gradually resume eating foods that do not cause pain or bleeding. Drink plenty of fluids.

Please avoid drinking through a straw for the first 24–48 hours.

IMPACTED TEETH

The surgical removal of impacted teeth is often more involved than the extraction of erupted teeth. The following conditions are not uncommon after impacted tooth removal:

  • Difficulty opening your mouth due to swelling and muscle stiffness. This typically improves within 3–4 days.
  • If a lower impacted tooth was removed, you may experience numbness of the lower lip, chin, or tongue on the affected side. This is usually temporary and may last from several days to several months.
  • Adjacent teeth may shift slightly after surgery, which can result in temporary discomfort.
  • Mild sores or cracking at the corners of the mouth may develop and can be treated with a mild ointment such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline).

If you feel that you are not healing properly, experience worsening symptoms, or have concerns at any time during recovery, please contact our office immediately.

IN CASE OF POST-OPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE AT: 818-484-8939

OPEN SINUS INSTRUCTIONS

Strict adherence to these instructions may help prevent the need for an additional surgical procedure to close the sinus communication. Please contact our office if you have any questions.

The roots of your upper teeth extended close to or into the sinus cavity. Following removal of the tooth or teeth, an opening into the sinus may be present. This opening will usually heal without complications if these instructions are carefully followed.

  • Take all prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed. These medications are important in preventing infection at the surgical site.
  • Use decongestants only as directed by your doctor.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Do not blow your nose. If necessary, gently wipe or blot your nose with a tissue. Some nasal discharge during the first few days is normal.
  • Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds.
  • If you need to sneeze, do so with your mouth open to avoid pressure buildup in the sinus cavity.
  • Do not participate in activities such as scuba diving or snorkeling until cleared by your doctor at your post-operative appointment.