Post Operative Instructions

What you should do following oral surgery

A certain amount of bleeding, pain, and swelling is normal. Reduce your activity as much as possible for several hours. Avoid eating, drinking, and unnecessary talking. Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for 24 hours. These activities may hinder formation of a blood clot, which is necessary for proper healing.

Do not be alarmed if your vision is blurred for a time following anesthesia or if a "black and blue" bruise should appear at the site of an injection. The arm also may be "black and blue", swollen and tender to touch due to the IV.

Follow the simple instructions below to minimize complications and help ensure prompt recovery.

To control bleeding

Immediately following procedure . . .After your teeth were removed, a gauze compress was placed on the wound and you were asked to keep your jaws closed tightly for 30 minutes. This is to help stop bleeding and keep saliva away from the open wound. This compress may be changed when saturated and discontinued about 6 hours after surgery. Some oozing will continue and is to be expected. This is normal and is no cause for alarm. If excessive bleeding occurs, take a piece of gauze, fold to make a firm compress, place directly on the area which is bleeding, and apply firm, steady, biting pressure for 40 minutes. Sit upright, keep quiet, and avoid spitting or talking while biting on the pack. This may have to be repeated. Also, a pack soaked in a strong solution of tea or a tea bag may be more effective. If these measures do not succeed, call our office.

To relieve pain

Immediately following procedure: begin taking medication as directed by your doctor to minimize discomfort when the anesthesia wears off and feeling is back to normal. Application of an ice bag can also help relieve discomfort.

After 24 hours, continue to take your medication if pain persists, and use an ice bag if needed.

To minimize swelling

Immediately following procedure: apply an ice bag over the affected area. Use 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off for 48 hours to help prevent development of excessive swelling and discomfort. If an ice bag is unavailable, simply fill a heavy plastic bag with crushed ice. Tie end securely and cover with a soft cloth to avoid skin irritation.

Fever

A low-grade fever is usual after even a simple procedure. Fever may be caused by inadequate fluid intake as well. If excessive or at all questionable, do not hesitate to phone the office.

After 48 hours: it should not be necessary to continue with cold applications. The swelling should be at its peak on the second day after surgery and then slowly recede.

Special considerations following removal of impacted teeth:

• Removal of impacted teeth is a surgical procedure. Postoperative problems are not unusual, and extra care must be taken to avoid complications.
• Severity of postoperative pain will depend on the procedure and your physical condition. Take medication for pain precisely as directed.
• Healing of the surgical site is variable.
• Swelling can be expected. Be certain to apply ice bags as directed above.
• Difficulty in opening your mouth widely and discomfort upon swallowing should be anticipated.
• Numbness of lips and/or tongue on the affected side may be experienced for a variable period of time.

Oral hygiene is important

24 hours after surgery rinse mouth vigorously, using a dilute solution of Chloraseptic (one part Chloraseptic to one part warm water). Repeat after every meal or snack for seven days. Rinsing is important because it removes food particles and debris from the socket area and thus helps prevent infection and promote healing. Brush tongue with a dry toothbrush to keep bacteria growth down but be careful not to touch the extraction site.

Resume your regular tooth brushing, but avoid disturbing the surgical site so as not to loosen or remove the blood clot.

Maintain a proper diet

Have your meals at the usual time. Eat soft, nutritious foods and drink plenty of liquids - with meals and in between. Have what you wish, but be careful not to disturb the blood clot. Add solid foods to your diet as soon as they are comfortable to chew.

In case of problems

You should experience no trouble if you follow the instructions and suggestions as outlined. But if you should have any problems such as excessive bleeding, pain, or difficulty in opening your mouth, call our office phone number, (425) 454-5091 immediately for further instructions or additional treatment.

If you have an after hours call of an emergency nature, call our office number and the answering service will contact Dr. Pellett or , or the oral surgeon taking their calls.

Remember your follow-up visit

It is often advisable to return for a postoperative visit to make certain healing is progressing satisfactorily. A follow-up visit will be scheduled. In the meantime, maintain a healthful diet, observe rules for proper oral hygiene, and visit your dentist for regular checkups.