Post-Op Surgery Instructions

Surgery: Tooth Removal

Instructions

Keep pressure on the extraction site with the cotton gauze provided to you with written post operative instructions for 1-3 hours to help control the bleeding. Change as cotton gauze becomes saturated by folding 2 or 3 times and placing over extraction site and close to keep pressure on site.

Use an ice pack continuously for 1st24 hours. This should be placed in a washcloth or thin towel and placed directly over the cheek area where the tooth was removed. Alternate placing ice on cheek for 30 minutes then off for 30 minutes, repeat for 24-hour period if needed.

After 24 hours, do not use ice. Gently rinse with 1 teaspoon of salt mixed with warm water multiple times per day for 3 to 4 days.

Absolutely NO SMOKING or other tobacco products for at least 72 hours following surgery. Smoking can slow down the healing process and may develop into a “dry socket.

Do not over exert yourself with strenuous activity for 48 hours.Do not take aspirin for 48 hours.

Do not use a straw to drink beverages and avoid carbonated beverages (soda, pop, beer). No alcohol for 72 hours or if you are taking prescription medications.

Do not eat spicy, hot or hard foods for 72 hour.

Stay hydrated and increase your liquid intake with water, juice, milk, protein shakes, and energy drinks like Gatorade.

Soft diet is recommended like eggs, oatmeal, mash potatoes, grits, rice, etc.

If any abnormal issues arise, please call our office.

After 24 hours, gently use warm salt water rinses every 2 hours for the next 2 days.

It is normal to bleed for 24-36 hours following surgery. The gauze would normally look light red to bright pink as bleeding mixes with your saliva. You can use a tea bag to control bleeding by placing the tea bag directly over your extraction site. If you are PROFUSELY bleeding place call our office immediately and go to the
emergency room for further evaluation.

ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING

Or other tobacco products for 72 hours following surgery. Smoking slows down the healing process and you may develop a “dry socket”.

Do not over exert yourself with strenuous activity or exercise for 48 hours.
Do not take aspirin or aspirin products for 48 hours.
Do not use a straw to drink beverages and avoid carbonated beverages
(sodas, pops). No alcohol for 48 hours or if you are on a prescription pain medication.
Do not eat spicy, hot or hard foods for 72 hours.
Stay hydrated and increase your liquid intake with water, juices, milk, protein shakes, energy drinks (like Gatorade or Powerade).
Soft diet like eggs, mash potatoes, grits, rice, oatmeal.