Post Operative Instructions

Instructions Following Extractions

1. Bleeding: Some bleeding is to be expected. Gauze is placed over the extraction site to control the bleeding while the blood clots. Bite on the gauze maintaining firm pressure, but do not chew on it. Remove the gauze after 30 minutes.

Replace it and again maintain pressure for another 30 minutes. You may need to repeat this 3-4 times. If bleeding persists, place a moist black tea bag over the surgical site and bite with firm pressure for 30-40 minutes. Repeat if necessary and avoid spitting. It is not unusual for the saliva to be streaked with blood for 24 hours. You may want to put a towel over your pillow to avoid staining.

2. Medications: You may receive a prescription for a pain medication and possibly an antibiotic. Take the medications as prescribed on the bottle. It is advisable to start the prescribed pain medication approximately two hours after surgery, before the freezing has left and the pain is actually experienced. It is usually best to take medications with food to prevent an unsettled feeling and / or nausea. For mild pain, Advil or Ibuprofen may be used, provided there is no allergy or other reason to avoid them.

3. Swelling, Bruising and Discomfort: Swelling, bruising, and discomfort may occur after surgery and are completely normal. Once you arrive home, you can place an ice pack on the face over the surgical site. Apply on and off for periods of 15 minutes at a time, or simply switch the ice pack from side to side every 15 minutes. This may be done a few times per day for the first 48 hours.

4. Sutures: Sutures are sometimes needed to allow the tissue to heal properly. There are 2 types of sutures that can be used:

Dissolvable – they fall out by themselves in 7-14 days

Non-Dissolvable – they need to be removed in 4-7 days, or as instructed by the dentist

5. Limited Mouth Opening: This can be a normal protective mechanism. Limited opening will subside after a couple of days.

6. Diet and Nutrition: You will be able to eat soft foods and drink fluids. Eating nutritious foods and drinking fluids is encouraged. This can include water, fruit and vegetable juices, soup, yogurt, puddings, and eggs. Drink ample. fluids in small and frequent amounts. Ensure, Boost or instant breakfast preparations are also helpful. Avoid straws for the first few days as they can stimulate bleeding or disturb the healing process. A very small juice straw is acceptable

7. Oral Hygiene: Do not rinse your mouth vigorously for the first 24 hours. After that time you can rinse gently with a warm salt water solution. Continue to brush and floss daily while being gentle around the extraction site(s).

8. Complications after Extractions: Complications or increased discomfort can sometimes arise 2-3 days after surgery.  This can be due to 2 causes. One can be a “dry socket” where the blood clot has been disturbed and gives the feeling of a tooth ache or tenderness in the jaw. A second complication that can arise is an infection. Both can be uncomfortable. If you experience any of these symptoms, please call the office for evaluation. It is not uncommon to experience some discomfort within the first two days following an extraction. After that you should experience improvement with each day. Patients vary in how fast they heal, so as long as you are feeling better with each day, that is normal to you.

Immediate Denture Post-Op Instructions

1. The freezing (anesthetic) will last for a couple hours. Take pain relief before the freezing comes out and as required or instructed afterwards.

2. Most Important: Do not remove the denture for 24 hours, no matter how uncomfortable it may feel. If the denture is removed you may not be able to insert it again and the tissue will swell. Therefore, it will then be a few days before you will be able to have it inserted. Your denture is acting like a “Band-Aid”.

3. You will be seeing your Denturist the next day and he/she will do any necessary adjustments to the denture. Future relines will also be done by the Denturist.

4. Eating: It is important to maintain a good nutritious diet for effective healing. Your diet will consist of soft foods for the first few days after surgery. You can mash the food up or run it through a food processor. Keep in mind yogurts, Milkshakes, or dietary supplement drinks (such as Boost or Ensure) are beneficial.

As time goes on and tissue heals, you will slowly be able to incorporate more solid type foods.

5. If stitches are placed, they will generally dissolve on their own within a few weeks. If non-dissolving stitches are placed, your dentist will inform you when to come back to have them removed.

6. Occasionally, bone splinters work their way to the surface. This is usually a quick and easy visit. Call for an appointment at our office to have it/them removed.

7. If you have any questions regarding the extractions or healing process, please call the dental office at (780)349-5260. If you have any questions regarding the fit of your denture please call your Denturist.