September 28, 2007



WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A TOOTH EXTRACTION

Blood and bleeding: After a tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another damp gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times. Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. 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.

DO NOT: rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush the teeth in the extraction area for 72 hours! These activities will dislodge the clot and slow the healing process.

Exercise: Limit vigorous exercise for the next 72 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site. After a few days you will feel fine and can resume all normal activities.

Swelling: Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. There may be some bruising along with swelling, as well. It should reach its maximum 48-72 hours after surgery, and then typically will decrease. If the swelling does not decrease after a few days, please call me. Directly following the procedure we recommend applying ice packs over the affected area of the face (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off), this is only effective in the first 24 hours.

Diet: Please restrict your diet to liquids until the local anesthetic wears off. Avoid hot food and liquids for 48 hours. Once the anesthetic has worn off we recommend eating soft foods (such as rice, pasta, or eggs) until you feel better. You can chew normally on non-operated teeth, being careful not to disturb the surgical site(s).

Pain: It is important to begin taking the Motrin (if prescribed) to assist with controlling the inflammation and to help with the discomfort. Pain medication such as Norco or Vicodin is often prescribed to help with managing pain. In general, pain is not severe after these procedures. If these medicines do not control the pain, or if pain increases after the second day, please call me.

Oral Hygiene: The operated area(s) cannot be brushed or flossed for the first week but you may brush and floss teeth that were not operated. Be careful not to accidentally bump areas operated on. If prescription mouthwash was prescribed (Chlorhexidine), please rinse twice a day for 30 seconds (one in the morning and once at night). You may resume normal brushing and flossing following your first post op visit.

EMERGENCIES: Try my cell phone number first, which is (925) 817-7941. My home number is (925) 263-2189. If there is a problem I need and want to know about it.

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