Complications/Considerations/General Information
Bleeding: A certain amount of bleeding is
to be expected following a surgical procedure. Slight bleeding, oozing, or
redness in the saliva is not uncommon. Bleeding is best controlled by the use
of pressure. Excessive bleeding may be controlled by placing a gauze pad over
the area and biting firmly for 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
Swelling: The amount of swelling that is
normally expected after an extraction depends on the type of surgery. Swelling
around the mouth, check, eyes, and side of the face is not uncommon. The
swelling sometimes may not appear immediately, and it may occur up to 2-3 days
post-surgery. You can help to minimize the swelling by applying ice packs to
the affected area. For the first 3 hours, apply the ice packs directly to the
area alternating on for 20 minutes then off for 20 minutes. Applying ice after
24 hours has no beneficial effect.
Pain: Post operative pain will be
the most severe 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 4-6 hours. For severe pain, take
the prescribed medication that was prescribed. 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. Pain or discomfort
following surgery should subside more and more each day. If pain persists, it
may require attention, and you should contact our office.
Antibiotics: If you have been placed on
antibiotics, take the medicine as directed. Antibiotics may be prescribed to
help prevent infection. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or
other unfavorable reaction. PLEASE NOTE: If you are currently taking birth
control pills, they will be inactivated by the antibiotic.
Nausea and
Vomiting: In the event of nausea and/or vomiting following surgery DO NOT take anything
by mouth for at least an hour, including the prescribed medication. You should
then sip on water tea, or juice. Sip slowly over a fifteen-minute period. When
the nausea subsides, you can begin taking solid foods and prescribed
medication.
Sutures: If any sutures were required,
they will dissolve on their own in 7-10 days. It will not be necessary to return
to the office for sutures to be removed.
Activity: Over-exertion may staff or
intensify your pain. AVOID excessive work or play. It is not necessary to stay
indoors following uncomplicated surgery. However, rest and minimal activity
will help to minimize pain, swelling, and bleeding. Normal activity may be
resumed the following day as tolerated.
Cleaning: Do not rinse or spit
vigorously for the first} 4 hours following surgery. You can brush your teeth
the night of the surgery, but rinse gently. The day after surgery, you should
begin rinsing four times a day and after eating. Do this gently as to not
dislodge the blood clot. To rinse, mix a teaspoon of salt and a cup of warm
water. DO NOT us a non-prescription rinse for 24 hours after surgery. Clean the
rest of our mouth as usual.
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 inflamed area. AVOID rice, and foods
that are very small that may become lodged in the area.
Special
Considerations:
Trismus (stiffness) in the face muscles may cause difficulty in opening our mouth
for a period of days. Moist heat compresses can minimize this condition. You
may experience aching from other teeth. This discomfort is caused by referred
pain and is a temporary condition. It is not unusual to develop bruising in the
area of the extraction. There may be a slight elevation in temperature for
24-48 hours. If the fever persists, please contact our office.
Dry Socket: A "dry socket is the
loss of the blood clot in the socket. This condition creates a delayed healing
at the extraction site and presents symptoms such as pain in the ear, chin,
adjacent teeth, and jaw. The discomfort usually begins about the third or
fourth day after the surgery and can last for many days. The cause of a dry
socket is unknown, but it can be attributed to the difficulty of the surgery,
increase age, medications (such as birth control pills), and smoking. Treatment
is for the symptoms only.
Questions
or concerns? Call our office at (781)
942-2020.