Patient Instructions

• Before Anesthesia
• After Dental Implant Surgery
• After Wisdom Tooth Removal
• After Surgical Exposure of an Impacted Tooth
• After a Tooth Extraction
• After Multiple Extractions

After Surgical Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Do not disturb the wound or any orthodontic brackets or chains that are in place.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding which results in your mouth filling rapidly with blood can usually be controlled by biting with pressure on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 45 minutes. If bleeding continues, please call the office for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply ice packs to the area of surgery. Apply the ice as continuously as possible for the first 36 hours.

Diet

Your food intake will be limited for the first few days and you should compensate for this by increasing your fluid intake.  You should aim for half of your body weight in ounces.  For example, if you weigh 200 lbs, you should drink around 100 ounces, or about twelve 8 ounce glasses of fluid a day.  This will also prevent dehydration, as long as you avoid all caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.  You will feel better, have more strength, have less discomfort, and heal faster if you stay hydrated and maintain your calorie intake.

Pain

 After surgery, medication will be prescribed according to your anticipated level of discomfort.  Take your pain medication before numbness from local anesthetic is gone and repeat on a regular schedule for the first 24-48 hours.  Take medication with a milk shake or other beverage to avoid nausea.  Do not drive, operate hazardous machinery, or drink alcohol while taking pain medication.  Keep a log of all medications taken, noting the time and amount taken, to ensure appropriate dosing.  If pain is not relieved by the medication, you should call the office. 

Oral Hygiene

Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing. Beginning the day after surgery, gently rinse your mouth with diluted mouthwash or salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in a cup of lukewarm water) 3 to 4 times daily.  Continue rinsing daily until you return for your post-operative exam.  You may gently brush your teeth the day after surgery, being careful around the surgical sites and avoiding any orthodontic brackets and chains.

REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.

Activity

Keep physical activity to a minimum the day of and following your surgery.  Avoid vigorous exercise for 7 days after surgery. When you do resume regular exercise, be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. If you get light headed or dizzy, stop exercising.