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.

Please note that the instructions below are general guidelines for all patients who have undergone an extraction procedure. Please be aware that you may have received additional instructions specific to your case during your initial visit or after surgery. It is essential to follow all of the following instructions carefully to ensure proper recovery.

DAY OF SURGERY

1). Bleeding:

1. a) Bleeding may occur for the first 24 hours.

1. b) Bite on gauze with firm pressure for the first three hours.

1. c) Change gauze only if it becomes saturated. If you drink anything within the first three hours, remove the gauze and replace it afterward. If you run out of gauze, use warm, moist tea bags as a substitute.

1. d) If bleeding persists after three hours, place a moist tea bag over the extraction site and bite down firmly for another 30 minutes. If bleeding remains uncontrolled, contact us.

2). Swelling:

1. a) Swelling typically peaks between the 2nd and 4th day after surgery and may continue for up to 4 weeks.

1. b) Use ice packs on the outside of your face for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Do not use ice after 24 hours have passed. Instead, apply a warm, moist towel to your face throughout the day and night for the next week.

1. c) Keep your head elevated on two pillows or rest in a recliner.

3). Diet:

1. a) Avoid eating anything for three hours following surgery. You may drink cold fluids if necessary, but replace your gauze immediately afterward. Avoid hot fluids/foods for the remainder of the day.

1. b) Consume a soft diet for one 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.

1. c) Avoid chips, nuts, jalapenos, and hard rice, as they may harm the surgical site.

1. d) If you have diabetes, maintain your normal eating habits and follow your physician’s instructions.

4). Pain:

1. a) Numbness for the first day or two following surgery is normal.

1. b) Take your prescribed pain medication. If your discomfort is not adequately controlled, please contact our office, and an alternate pain medication can be called in.

DAYS 2-5

Continue with a soft diet and fluid intake.

1). Hygiene:

1. a) Rinse your mouth gently after each meal using 1/2 tsp of salt in 1 cup of water. Continue rinsing until your follow-up appointment.

1. b) Brush your teeth regularly, including the teeth adjacent to the wound. If this is uncomfortable, use a baby toothbrush.

2). Swelling:

1. a) Apply a warm, moist towel to the outside of your face at least 5 times daily.

1. b) Keep your head elevated on two pillows when sleeping.

3). Discomfort:

1. 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:

• Straws
• Smoking: This will delay healing and increase pain.
• Hard food that requires extensive chewing
• Mouth rinses such as Scope, Listerine, and peroxide

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