Post-Operative Instructions

A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding socket and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.

If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately.

Excessive bleeding which results in your mouth filling rapidly with blood can frequently be controlled by biting with pressure on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.

If your bleeding has stopped and re-occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head.

Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice continuously (15 min on and 15 min off) for the first 48 hours only.

For mild discomfort Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can be taken.

For severe pain use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside in 2 days, or increases after 2 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids.

Do not rinse your mouth for the first post-operative day, or while there is bleeding. After the first day, use a warm salt water rinse every 4 hours and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area (one half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water).

Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods, which are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal, you will be able to advance your diet.

A sore throat may develop. The muscles of the throat are near the extraction sites. Swelling into the throat muscles can cause pain. This is normal and should subside in 2-3 days.

If the corners of the mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment like Vaseline. There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24-48 hours. If temperature continues, notify our office.

If immediate dentures have been inserted, do not remove immediate denture unless there is severe bleeding. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture. Sore spots may develop on the gums and in most cases, your dentist will see you within 24-48 hours after surgery and make the necessary adjustments to relieve those sore spots.

You should gently brush your teeth starting the day after surgery.  Having a clean mouth will reduce the chances of infection.  Exercise caution not to injure the surgery site.

Reduce your activities for the next few days. Avoid running or strenuous activity.

For dissolvable sutures removal is only required if they become untied and dangle down. For non-dissolvable sutures – please make an appointment for suture removal as instructed by your doctor.