General Post-Op Instructions
Immediately Post-Surgery
1. BLEEDING: Bleeding is normal after treatment, however, to help control any bleeding, it is important to maintain firm, continuous pressure with a folded gauze pad (you may need one or more pieces folded up to create the needed pressure). Keep the gauze in place for at least 30 minutes without checking it, checking the gauze sooner may tear the clot and induce more bleeding.
If you find that the bleeding does not slow after changing the gauze up to three times (90 minutes total), your next step is to bite on a moistened tea bag (avoid green tea bags) on the area, as its natural elements help stabilize the clot. Everyone heals differently, so a slight ooze or pink-tinted saliva is completely normal for up to 24 hours, particularly after you resume brushing and rinsing.
*If you experience profuse, continuous bleeding, please call our office immediately.
2. PAIN: Some discomfort after surgery is normal. The numbing medicine from your procedure may last 1–4 hours. Take your pain medication before the numbness starts wearing off (before you feel any pins-and-needles or tingling) — staying ahead of the pain is the best way to control it.
We recommend starting with 400mg (2 tablets-each 200mg) of over-the-counter Motrin, Advil, or Ibuprofen IN ADDITION to 500-1000mg of Tylenol (acetaminophen) every 6 hours for the first 48-72 hours. This is generally very effective in controlling post-operative discomfort. For severe pain, if prescribed, take your prescription pain medication exactly as directed.
IMPORTANT
*If you take a blood thinner, do not take ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).
Take all medications with food. Never take medication on an empty stomach.
Narcotic pain medications can be addictive. Take only for severe pain, under adult supervision. *Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
3. SWELLING: Swelling and pain go hand in hand — limiting swelling helps limit pain. Peak swelling and pain usually occur 2–4 days after surgery. Keep your head elevated on an extra pillow or two while resting. Do not lie flat — this increases swelling and discomfort. Take 400 mg ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) every 6 hours. This reduces both discomfort and swelling, since ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory.
For the first three days, keep ice to the area — 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, while awake.
After the 3rd day, switch to a moist heat compress on the area, with gentle massage and stretching to get the jaw muscles moving again.
Other Post-Op Considerations
1. DIET: For the first few days after surgery, eat a soft diet, including but not limited to pudding, Jell-O, applesauce, eggs, yogurt, ice cream, soft/overcooked pasta, mashed potatoes, and pancakes. Be sure you’re getting enough protein as this supports healing, and drink plenty of fluids.
Do not use straws for 7 days after surgery — sucking can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a dry socket.
Avoid hard, chewy, or crispy foods, such as chips, pretzels, nuts, popcorn, and raw vegetables.
After the 3rd or 4th day, you may slowly begin advancing your diet.
By 1–2 weeks after surgery, you should be back to a normal diet unless your doctor instructs otherwise.
IMPORTANT
While still numb, you should avoid any hot foods or beverages as you won’t be able tell the temperature and could potentially burn your lip/tongue; you should also avoid anything that requires chewing while numb as you could bite your lip/cheek/tongue.
2. SUTURES: If you receive sutures, they are typically dissolvable and will fall out on their own within 5 to 10 days. Your doctor will let you know if you need an appointment to have them removed.
3. BRUISING: Bruising may occur, however should resolve within 7-10 days after surgery.
* If you take a blood thinner, you may notice more significant bruising.
4. ANTIBIOTICS: If antibiotics are prescribed, complete the entire course as directed — unless you experience a true allergic reaction (rash, hives, or swelling). If that happens, stop the medication immediately and contact us right away. In rare cases, antibiotics can cause severe stomach problems, such as persistent watery diarrhea. If this occurs, stop taking the medication immediately and contact us right away. To help lower the risk of stomach issues, you may take an over-the-counter probiotic (your pharmacist can help recommend one).
IMPORTANT
* If you experience a severe or life-threatening reaction — such as throat swelling or difficulty breathing — call 911 immediately.
* If you are on a birth control medication, antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of the birth control and other contraceptive means should be used.
5. ORAL CARE: For the first 24 hours: DO NOT rinse or brush — this can disturb the blood clots. After 24 hours, you may resume brushing and rinsing. We encourage you to brush gently around the surgical site, but do not avoid the area — plaque and food debris will accumulate there and can increase the risk of pain and infection. Keep your fingers and tongue away from the surgical site.
5. ORAL CARE (CONTINUED): Rinse as instructed with the prescription mouth rinse for 7–10 days — the rinse may temporarily stain your teeth and tongue (usually only with use beyond 2 weeks) — this staining is not permanent and can be removed at a dental cleaning.
Warm saltwater rinses after meals are also encouraged: ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of warm water.
6. DRY SOCKET: A dry socket is an unlikely complication of tooth extraction, but if it occurs, it can delay healing and cause significant pain that does not respond to pain medication. To help prevent a dry socket from occurring, avoid the following for 7 days: spitting, straws, smoking or vaping, and any sucking or drawing actions — these can dislodge the blood clot. A dry socket typically occurs during days 3–5 of recovery. If you think you may have a dry socket, call us so we can treat you.
7. ELEVATED TEMPERATURE: A mild increase in temperature (1–3 degrees) is normal during the first few days after surgery. If it persists or worsens, please contact us.
8. LIMITED OPENING:
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+**Specific for wisdom tooth patients—you will be given a plastic syringe to rinse out your extraction sites. You may start rinsing with warm salt water filled syringes after the 5th day. You should rinse after each meal and once before bed. To rinse, wash your hands, fill syringe with warm salt water & pull cheek to the side & aim for the wisdom tooth area (behind last tooth in mouth—you may see a small black opening—do not put syringe into opening, just aim for it). Irrigate until site is clean & free of debris. We recommend rinsing as directed above until holes close (approximately 2-4 weeks after surgery). Keeping the sites clean of food & debris will reduce the risk of infection. Brushing and rinsing will greatly reduce your risk of post-operative infection. However, if you do feel pressure, pain or notice swelling call immediately as it could be a sign of a post-operative infection and must be treated in a timely manner. Post-operative infections often occur 4-8 weeks after treatment.
We are always concerned about how you’re doing afterwards, so if there are any questions regarding your instructions, medications, or feel that you need urgent medical attention during your recovery please call us right away at 724-260-5009 for the doctor and follow the prompts as directed, she’s on call 24 hours a day.