Do not disturb the wound. If surgical packing was placed, leave it alone. The packing helps to keep the tooth exposed. If it gets dislodged or falls out, do not be alarmed, but please contact our office for instructions.
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a damp gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes.
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply ice packs to the side of the face on the cheek in where your surgery took place. Applying ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off as much as you can in the first 36 hours.
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.
You should begin taking prescribed or over the counter pain medication before you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For those with no medical contraindications to NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen, Advil), 600mg can be taken every six hours. If the NSAIDS do not control the pain to a level of 4/10 or less, consider adding regular strength Tylenol (325mg) to the regimen.
For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery if taking narcotics. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.
Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day as well, especially after meals. Be sure to brush your teeth but do so very gently where the surgical sites are located. If you use an electric toothbrush, it is best to turn it off and brush manually when you get close to your wounds.
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking in normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.
REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.