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Do not disturb the wound. If surgical packing was placed, leave it alone. The pack helps to keep the tooth exposed. If it gets dislodged or falls out, do not get alarmed.
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding which fills your mouth 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 our office at (978) 682-5255 for further instructions.
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag or towel filled with ice cubes on the cheek in the area of the surgical site.
Apply the ice continuously as much as possible for the first 48 hours.
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.
You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, one or two Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken. Tylenol may be taken every three to four hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg. tablets: Two to three tablets may be taken every three to four hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication must be taken exactly as directed.
Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth as best you can. Rinse with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) six times a day. Continue this procedure until healing is complete.
REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake has been reduced. Exercise may weaken you, so if you get light headed, stop exercising.
