Dear patients,
For better healing and to avoid any unwanted side effects please follow the following guidelines:
DO NOT DISTURB THE AREA: For the next 3 days, it is very important to allow your body to form a good clot and start the natural healing process. The goal is to avoid a change in pressure so avoid spitting, swishing, gargling, sucking through a straw, and smoking can all dislodge the clot.
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- Hemostasis: After the extraction your dental surgeon placed a small sterile gauze with pressure to control the bleeding and help in the formation of a blood clot. Keep the gauze pad pressed on the extraction site for at least 30 minutes to control bleeding. Do not open the mouth as movement of the gauze pad may dislodge the blood clot which is necessary for closure of the socket. It is unavoidable that there will be some blood at the extraction site after the procedure. You can remove the gauze cautiously after 30 minutes You may repeat this procedure for yet another 30-60 minutes only if needed. Do NOT remove the gauze to check the site and do not change the gauze often (constant pressure is needed). There may be minimal bleeding for up to 24 hours after.
- Pain relief: With proper use of anti-inflammatories, you will usually experience little to no pain after the procedure. The pain is usually most pronounced several hours after tooth extraction when the local anesthesia wears away so it is prudent to take the first dose of anti-inflammatory painkiller at least one hour before. Take first painkiller within the first hour. If the prescribed painkiller is not sufficient, you can take a different painkiller in between doses of the primary pain killer (e.g., ibuprofen can be combined with Nimesulide or Diclofenac). Do NOT take aspirin. Do NOT take anti-histamines. The use of anti-inflammatory pain killers should be reduced after the first day. If the pain or swelling increase rather than decrease after the 3rd day, contact the clinic immediately. You should also inform us if there are other difficulties such as difficulty swallowing, a bad taste in the mouth or fever.
- Antibiotics: It is essential to take the prescribed medications for as many days as the prescription dictates. Remember not to take your antibiotic on an empty stomach. Antibiotics change the natural bacterial flora of the guts so using probiotics is beneficial. You can take Bio Gaia tablet 1 hour prior to antibiotics, once daily & on time, and for an extra 3 days after antibiotic regimen. Do NOT discontinue your prescription even if you are feeling better. If you are having an unwanted reaction to the antibiotic, please contact us immediately for further advice.
- Swelling: For simple extractions post-op swelling is rare. For surgical procedures it is best to apply cold packs to the face in the treated area as soon as possible. Apply the cold pack on the skin for 10 minutes and remove for another 10 minutes, repeating this process several times. Cold packs are used for the first 12 hours after the procedure NOT longer. Prompt use of cold packs helps in preventing or at least minimizing the amount of inflammation and therefore swelling that will form in the area. The swelling will be most pronounced 2 days after the procedure and may persist for several days. However, the swelling usually begins to dissipate by day 3. If the pain or swelling is more intense after the 3rd 4th day or if you have difficulty swallowing, a bad taste in your mouth or even a fever please contact us immediately.
- Smoking: Do NOT smoke for at least 48 hours after the procedure. Smoking obstructs the natural healing process and may lead to painful complications such as dry socket etc.
- Food-Diet: You can eat once the numbness from the anesthesia has completely disappeared to avoid the danger of biting and traumatizing your cheeks, lips and tongue (this may take 2-4 hours after the extraction procedure). Drink lots of liquids (Do NOT use straws). Your diet for the first three days should consist of a soft diet such as soups, creams, shakes, puree etc. Keep anything sharp from entering the wound (crunchy food, toothpicks, eating utensils). Be sure to chew on the opposite side.
- Oral Hygiene: Do NOT rinse your mouth and do NOT spit for 24 hours after the extraction so as not to disturb blood clot formation. Beginning on the next day you can start using mouthwash or saline rinses gently, only after brushing. You can start brushing your teeth the following evening avoiding only the extraction site! Keep your hands and curious tongue away from the extraction site!
- Numbness: The local anesthetic will cause you to be numb for several hours after you leave the office. Be very careful not to bite, chew, pinch, or scratch the numb area. Sometimes the extraction causes residual numbness or tingling for six weeks or longer.
Other Possible Surgical Complications
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- Trismus (difficulty in opening one’s mouth) may occur for several days after the procedure. You can use warm compresses on the cheek beginning 36hrs after the procedure. Don’t worry! As the swelling subsides your trismus will decrease, and the situation will improve.
- You may have mild earache (otalgia).
- If the corner of the mouth was stretched during the procedure, your lips may have dehydrated and “cracked.” Use Vaseline or lip balm to keep your lips moist.
- There is a small possibility of bruising near the extraction site after 24-48 hours. Warm compresses (after the second day) will help resolve the bruising.
Especially in cases of Sinus Involvement
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- Keep your head in an elevated position. Use two pillows when you sleep.
- Do NOT blow from your nose!! Use the decongestant which has been prescribed.
- If you need to sneeze, try to keep your mouth open as you do so.
- A minor amount of bleeding from the nose is to be expected.
- Do NOT do anything which involves intense positive or negative pressure in the mouth such as gargling, smoking, using a straw, blowing up balloons or playing wind instruments etc.
*Remember your post-operative appointment. Your surgeon must confirm the smooth transition of the healing process and remove any stitches within 7-10 days.
