Oral Surgery Patient Instructions

General Advice:

For normal healing, it is essential that only a minimum amount of disturbance be created within the mouth after tooth extraction or surgery. The blood clot in the socket must be preserved. Most bleeding will stop in 30 minutes with a small amount of bleeding over the next 12 hours, depending on the extent of surgery. It is normal for saliva to be slightly streaked with blood for about one day.

Pressure will stop most bleeding. Bundle 2-3 pieces of gauze and place it on the surgical site. Bite down on the gauze or hold it down tight with your finger. Hold for at least 20 minutes before lifting to check the site for more bleeding. Keep holding until the bleeding stops.
Use ice packs on your face to prevent swelling. Hold the ice pack for 15 minutes, then take a 15 minute break. Do this over 5-6 hours. You can also try holding cold water in your mouth.
Do not use any mouthwash for 48 hours. You may drink liquids and eat, but do it carefully so you don’t interfere with the operated area. Do not suck from a straw because this will dislodge the blood clot.
The day after your surgery, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Rinse after each time you eat so you can avoid getting food stuck in the surgical site.
Do not smoke for the first 48 hours after surgery. Smoking increases the chance of clot breakdown.
Antibiotics should be taken until finished. Pain medication should be taken when you need it. If you have a reaction to these medications, please let me know. (Stomach upset is a common symptom associated with some of these medications and taking the medications with a small amount of food often helps).
Limit your physical activity for 24 hours after surgery e.g. no heavy lifting, or running.
Eat soft foods.

Excessive Bleeding:

If you have followed the above instructions but you are still bleeding excessively after 5-6 hours, do the following:

Remove any large, hanging blood clots.
If biting gauze fails to stop the bleeding, bite on a wet tea bag. The tannic acid in the tea helps stop bleeding.
Be as inactive as possible.
When lying down, elevate your head using pillows.
If the bleeding continues, call this office.

Pain and Swelling:

Pain following oral surgery is normal and can usually be relieved by medications given or prescribed. Following the removal of a difficult or impacted tooth, pain will be more severe and will last longer. At times, further medications may be required. If severe pain persists 5 days after your surgery, please contact the office.

Swelling following surgery is normal and varies from person to person, and also varies with the difficulty of the procedure. Following the removal of a difficult or impacted tooth, the swelling will be extensive, lasting for a period of 4 or more days. Some discomfort and swelling can be avoided if cold packs are applied the day of surgery.Pain following oral surgery is normal and can usually be relieved by medications given or prescribed. Following the removal of a difficult or impacted tooth, pain will be more severe and will last longer. At times, further medications may be required. If severe pain persists 5 days after your surgery, please contact the office.

For swelling that persists 3 days after surgery, apply heat using a hot pack or hot damp cloth.

Discoloration and bruising may occur on the face in the region of the surgery. This depends upon the procedure, your tendency to bruise, and the efficient use of cold packs.

If you have any problems not discussed above, please call.

Oral Surgery Patient...