If profuse Bleeding continues after 3-4 hours of applied pressure(see “Bleeding” below)
If you are unable to maintain a nutritious diet after 48 hours.
If the pain and/or swelling increases after the third day.
If you have an allergic reaction to medications such as:
skin rash
elevated temperature
hives
nausea/vomiting
dizziness/fainting
blurred vision
increased heart rate
irregular heart beat
General Instructions
CONTINUE biting on the gauze pack placed by the nurse for 30 minutes then discard. IF YOU ARE STILL BLEEDING after 30 minutes, replace with fresh gauze for another 30 minutes; Thereafter replace gauze every 20 minutes until bleeding has stopped. DRINK plenty of liquids.
DO NOT chew on the gauze.
DO NOT rinse, spit or drink with a straw for 48 hours.
DO NOT eat hard, sharp, hot or spicy foods for 48 hours.
DO NOT drink carbonated or alcoholic beverages for 48 hours.
DO NOT exercise or do heavy lifting for 3 to 5 days after the surgery.
DO NOT smoke for 72 hours.
KEEP your appointment for follow-up so the doctor can check to see if you are healing properly.
What To Expect After Extractions
BLEEDING – Minor seepage is normal the first 24 hours. To slow or stop bleeding, bite with light pressure on a gauze pack placed over the surgical area. Pressure should be applied in 30 minute intervals during the first hour and 20 minute intervals thereafter repeated until the bleeding is under control. If bleeding persists after 4 hours, wet a tea bag and wrap in gauze and bite on it without changing for 2 hours. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT to wait to complete this step. Exercise and heavy lifting will raise your blood pressure and will dislodge the blood clot and bleeding will resume.
SWELLING – To prevent and/or minimize swelling, when instructed, apply ice packs at 10 minute intervals to the surgical area. After 72 hours, apply warm compresses to the area to relieve swelling. Swelling is a natural part of the healing process and can be expected for 3 days to several weeks depending on the nature and extent of the surgery. Warm salt water rinses may be done 24-48 hrs after to help with healing.
Use 1 tsp of salt to 1 cup of warm water and roll around gently in mouth. Dispose in sink.
PAIN – Following any surgical procedure, there will be some degree of pain, which is determined by your pain threshold. A prescription for pain medication may be provided. However, in most cases, a non-narcotic pain regimen consisting of Acetaminophen (Tylenol TM) and ibuprofen
(Advil TM) is all that is needed. These two medications, taken together, are as effective as a narcotic, but without the side effects of narcotics. If a narcotic has been prescribed, follow the directions carefully. If you have any questions about medication interactions, please call our office, your physician or pharmacist.
DISCOLORATION - Bruising after surgery is not unusual, as it is a natural part of healing.
