Instruction for care after oral surgery



Instructions for care after oral surgery

BLEEDING: Normal oozing may occur for up to 24 hours following surgery. Firm biting on a gauze pad placed over your tooth socket controls it. Change pack every 20 minutes for the first hour and a half. Gauze packs should by lightly dampened with water. If bleeding does not lessen, please call the office immediately. Our office telephone #’s are: (602) 956-0650, Dr. Grajales’ cellular phone # 602-430-6274.

SWELLING: Swelling and sometimes bruising is common after surgery. The maximum swelling, pain and jaw stiffness normally occurs two to three days after the surgery. Apply cold packs in five minute intervals for one hour the first day of surgery. This will keep swelling to a minimum. It will help to keep your head elevated. Ibuprofen or Motrin as prescribed will help with the swelling.

PAIN: The most discomfort is in the first 6 to 8 hours after surgery. Take pain medication before the numbness wears off with plenty of water or a light food, and then as needed and prescribed after that. If itching or rash develops, stop taking medication immediately and contact the office. If dull ache along with an earache begins on the 3rd or 4th day after surgery, please contact the office, as this may be an indication of a dry socket, which can be treated with the proper medication and relieves discomfort quickly.

MUSCLE SORENESS: Difficulty in opening the jaw is common after third molar extractions. Moist heat may be applied 36 hours after extractions if soreness continues.

MOUTH CARE: No rinsing, brushing, spitting or smoking for 24 hours following surgery. The day after surgery rinse with a glass of warm water mixed with one teaspoonful of salt three times a day or use the prescribed oral rinse for a week. After 24 hours, brush and floss as usual avoiding the surgical sites.

DIET: It is important to maintain good nutrition following surgery. A cool soft diet the day of surgery is advisable. No carbonated beverages, smoking, spitting or alcohol for the first 48 hours. Do not drink through a straw. Eat whatever is comfortable the day after surgery, and drink as many fluids as possible for the next 5 days.

INFECTION: If swelling and discomfort continues or increases after the third day following surgery, or if you experience a foul taste, fever or difficultly swallowing, contact our office immediately.

It is not uncommon for small chips of bone to work their way through the tissue following extraction. In some cases, it is necessary for the doctor to remove them. Please call our office if you need us to check the area.

Saul E. Grajales D.M.D., M.S.D.

Practice in Periodontics

4515 N. 32nd Street, Suite 100, Phoenix, Arizona 85018

(602) 956-0650

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