Dental Surgery, Extractions, Periodontal and Implant Surgery
Following Extractions, Periodontal and Implant Surgery
Some pain, bleeding, swelling, and seeping are normal following oral surgery. Please do not try to view the site by pulling on your lip and do not probe the area with your tongue or fingers. If you experience excessive bleeding or discomfort after 48-72 hours, please call our office immediately.
If you have a denture that overlaps the implant site, please minimize the use of the denture following surgery to allow the site to heal. After the first week, you should be able to gradually increase the amount of time you can wear your denture.
Pressure should be maintained to the surgical area by biting down on the provided gauze pad until the bleeding stops (at least for 30-45 minutes). There may be some continued oozing of blood from the area for several hours, this is normal. If the area continues to bleed, you may put pressure on the area by biting firmly with additional gauze, or alternatively, a wet tea bag for ½ hour at a time. Replace the gauze as necessary until the bleeding stops.
Do not eat anything until all the numbness from the anesthesia has worn off. Children should be supervised after having an extraction to make sure they do not bite or chew their cheek, tongue or lips as this can cause serious injury to the soft tissue.
It is important not to rinse with water until the day after the extraction. Continued rinsing can cause continued bleeding. After the first day, gently rinse with a warm salt water, approximately one-half teaspoon of salt in an eight ounce glass of water, three times a day. This will soothe the area and be helpful but is not required.
For 24 hours following your surgery, do not suck through a straw, brush, rinse, spit, smoke, or drink alcohol beverages. Avoid hot and spicy foods as well as carbonated and alcoholic beverages.
Restrict your diet on the day of the surgery to soft nutritious foods with lots of fluids. You can begin eating normally the next day or as soon as it is comfortable.
Restrict your activities on the day of your surgery. Avoid activities that require exertion and resume normal activity the following day as tolerated.
Swelling around the face, eyes, and surgical site is not uncommon although it may not appear until the day following the surgery and may become more noticeable two to three days following surgery. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the face near the extraction site will help minimize swelling. Please do not apply ice directly to your skin but place a cloth between the ice and your skin at all times. You may apply the cold compress for up to 20 minutes on and at least 20 minutes off as needed. After 36 hours the cold compress will have no further impact on swelling. After this period, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face can help reduce swelling.
Please fill any prescriptions you have been given and take as directed. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent infection. Note: Antibiotics may inactivate birth control pills. If you have been prescribed pain medication like Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), it is a good idea to take it while the area is still numb – the medication will then be able to work as the numbness is wearing off. Aspirin should be avoided. Note: Some medications may affect your reflexes and judgement; therefore, do not drive, operate heavy equipment, work around machinery or tools, if you feel groggy, or affected by the medication.
Sutures (stiches) may have been placed. Most sutures placed by our office will dissolve on their own in 7-10 days. If you have sutures that do need a follow-up visit for removal, we will let you know at the time they are placed.
If a dressing has been placed to make you feel more comfortable during the healing period, please try not to disturb it. Do not be alarmed if part or all of the dressing falls off, healing will still progress normally.
Brush, floss or Water Pik your teeth normally, but avoid the surgical area.
Please call our office if you experience pain or discomfort, excessive bleeding, or swelling that does not resolve, or have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment.