Resources for Current Moorehead Dentistry Patients

Post Operation Info

For those who just had a surgical dental procedure completed (such as a simple extraction, implant placement, or wisdom teeth removal) or for those helping a patient return to their normal routine, you were given the Post Op (Operation) Instructions as you left our office in either Cincinnati, Batavia, or Lebanon, Ohio. This document outlines what to expect after your dental surgery, how to have a smooth recovery, and common side effects from the procedure. Here is the information below, but if you or someone caring for you would like another copy of this document for reference, please let us know.

Post-Operative Instructions Following Tooth Extraction

Immediately Following Surgery:

• Keep the gauze pad placed over the surgical area with pressure applied by biting down until the bleeding stops.
• Take your prescribed pain medication as soon as you begin to feel discomfort. This will usually coincide with the local anesthetic becoming less effective.
• Do not suck on a straw, spit, or smoke. Restrict your activities the day of surgery, and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable.
• Place ice packs on the side of your face where surgery was performed.
• For mild discomfort, use Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Do not take more than 800mg every four to six hours.
• Vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the affected area following surgery should be avoided.
• Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods that are comfortable for you to eat.

Bleeding: Some bleeding is to be expected after a surgical procedure. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. Bleeding is best controlled with pressure. Excessive bleeding may be controlled by placing a gauze pad over the area and biting firmly for thirty minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding has not decreased in three to four hours, bite on a dampened tea bag placed directly over the
surgical site. If any sutures were required, they will dissolve on their own in 7 to 10 days. It will not be necessary to return to the office for suture removal.

Swelling: The amount of swelling expected after an extraction depends on the type of surgery. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and side of the face is not uncommon. You can help to minimize the swelling by applying ice packs to the affected area. For the first three hours, apply the ice packs directly to the area, alternating one for 20 minutes, then off for 20 minutes.

Pain: Postoperative pain will be the most severe on the first day after surgery. It is beneficial to take your pain medication before your numbness wears off. For moderate pain, 800mg of Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) may be taken every four to six hours. For severe pain, take the prescribed medication that was provided. Do not take the
pain medication on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. The prescribed medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive an automobile or operate machinery, and avoid alcoholic beverages.

Antibiotics: If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent infection. PLEASE NOTE: If you are currently taking birth control pills, they will be inactivated by the antibiotic.

Activity: Over-exertion may start or intensify your pain. Avoid excessive work or play. Normal activity may be resumed the following day as tolerated.

Cleaning: Do not rinse or vigorously spit for the first 24 hours after surgery. You can brush your teeth the night of the surgery, but rinse gently. The day after surgery, you should begin a warm salt water rinse several times a day. Do this gently so as not to dislodge the blood clot. To rinse, mix a teaspoon of salt and a cup of warm water. Do not use a non-prescription rinse for 24 hours after surgery.

Diet: It is advisable to eat only soft, non-spicy food for the first few days following surgery. Avoid hot food or liquid that could agitate the already inamed area. Avoid rice, grits, and foods that are very small, which may
become lodged in the area.

Special Considerations: Trismus (stiffness) of the facial muscles may cause difficulty opening your mouth for several days. Moist heat compresses can minimize this condition. You may experience aching in other teeth. This discomfort is due to referred pain and is temporary. It is not unusual to develop bruising in the area of the extraction. There may be a slight increase in temperature over the next 24 to 48 hours. If the fever persists, please get in touch with us.