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.