Uncomplicated Surgery

Keep your teeth together on the gauze that was placed over the extraction site for at least one hour.

Do not rinse out your mouth for 24 hours.

Then start rinsing with warm salt water six to eight times a day for several days.

Difficult Surgery

In addition to the instructions above, put some ice in a towel and hold it against your face for 15 minutes then leave it off for 15 minutes. Keep this up for the first 24 hours as much as possible, then start your salt water rinsing.

Carefully read the advice written below.

Medication

If you have received a prescription for pain killers follow the directions on the bottle. This type of medication should not be taken on an empty stomach. If nausea occurs try to eat something starchy like soda crackers.

Problems

Bleeding:

There is a small amount of bleeding that persists for several hours following surgery. This seems like more than it really is because it mixes with your saliva. Bleeding is best controlled by gauze pressure (a clean handkerchief is a substitute). Always moisten, or better, coat the gauze with Vaseline before -placement to keep it from sticking to the bloodclot. Another way to stop bleeding is to put a wet tea bag over the site for about ten minutes. The tannic acid in the tea stops the bleeding.

Swelling:

Swelling can be greatly reduced by putting ice in a towel and holding it against your face on for fifteen minutes and off for fifteen minutes. Keep this up as much as possible for the first 24 hours. Do not continue with ice for more than 24 hours. Then start rinsing out often (six or eight times a day) with hot salt water. Do not make the water too salty; about like sea water is right.

Nausea:

This is usually caused by pain pills. It does not mean you are allergic to them; it is a side effect of the drug. Lie still, and try not to move your head too much. Try to eat something starchy, like soda crackers.

Itching, Rash:

You may be allergic to the medication you were prescribed. Tightness of the throat, smothering, or pain in the joints are other symptoms. Stop taking the pills and call one of us or your doctor. The name of the medicine you were given is on the bottle, so have it ready when you call.

Persistent Pain:

Generally, you should be comfortable by four days after your surgery. If you are not we want to see you. Please call one of us, even on a weekend or at night.

ATTENTION

The removal of a tooth is surgery, just like having your appendix taken out. You should go home, take it easy, drink lots of fluids and follow these instructions. If you have any problems or questions, please call our office.