Note that the following instructions are general guidelines for all extraction patients; you may have been given additional instructions specific to your situation either at your initial visit or at the time of surgery. Please follow all instructions.

You have just undergone a surgical procedure. Homecare is very important. Recovery may be delayed if neglected. Please observe the following instructions.

DAY OF SURGERY

1.Bleeding:
a) Bleeding is common during the first 24 hours.
b) Bite on gauze with firm pressure for the first 3 hours.
c) Change gauze only if saturated. If you drink something within the first 3 hours, remove the gauze and replace it afterward. If you run out of gauze, substitute with warm moist tea bags.
d)   If active bleeding persists after 3 hours, place a moist tea bag over the extraction site and firmly and continuously bite down for another 30 minutes. If bleeding remains uncontrolled, call us.

2.Swelling:

a) Swelling peaks between the 2nd and 4th day after surgery and may continue for up to 4 weeks.
b) Apply ice packs to the outside of your face, 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off. DO NOT use ice once 24 hours have passed. Thereafter, apply a warm, moist towel to your face throughout the day and night for the next week.
c) Keep your head elevated on two pillows or rest on a recliner.

3.Diet:

a) Do not eat anything for 3 hours following surgery. You may drink cold fluids if needed but replace your gauze immediately afterwards. Avoid hot fluids/foods the rest of the day.
b) A soft diet is recommended for 1 week. This may include iced tea, casseroles, boiled vegetables and meats, Jell-O, pudding, yogurt, protein drinks (Ensure, Boost, Slim-Fast), and plenty of water to prevent dehydration. DO NOT SKIP MEALS.
c) Avoid all chips, nuts, jalapenos and hard rice, as these may injure the surgical site.
d) If diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits and follow instructions given by your physician.

4.Pain:

a) Numbness following surgery is normal for the first day or two.
b) Take your prescribed pain medications. If your discomfort is not well controlled, please call our office. An alternate pain medication can be called into the pharmacy.

DAYS 2-5

1. Continue with a soft diet and fluid intake.

2.Hygiene:
a) Rinse mouth gently after each meal using ½ tsp. salt in 1 cup of water. Continue rinses until your follow-up appointment.
b) BRUSH YOUR TEETH REGULARLY, including the teeth adjacent to the wound. If uncomfortable, use a baby toothbrush.

3.Swelling:

a) Apply a warm moist towel to the outside of your face at least 5 times daily.
b) Keep your head elevated on two pillows when sleeping.

4.Discomfort:
a) Muscle soreness and/or limited jaw opening are normal following any procedure in the mouth. To help alleviate this, gently massage your jaw under a warm shower. This will help you loosen the muscles, assist with opening, and ease the discomfort.

AVOID THE FOLLOWING:

1. STRAWS
2. SMOKING: This will delay healing and increase pain.
3. Hard food that requires extensive chewing
4. Mouth rinses such as Scope, Listerine, and peroxide

If you have any questions or concerns after hours please call our office.