After Single Tooth Extractions

A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding socket and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 30 minutes. If bleeding occurs avoid exercise, hot liquids, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists call the office immediately.

Two baggies filled with ice, or ice packs should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed intermittently for the first 24 hours (20 minutes on/ 20 minutes off). After 24 hours, ice has no beneficial effect.

In most circumstances, pain medication will be prescribed post-operatively. Please follow the instructions on the prescription. We advise you take your medication with food (to avoid nausea) and within two hours of your procedure to minimize discomfort. The prescribed pain medicine will make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Please make sure small children cannot obtain your medication! Avoid alcoholic beverages. Most of our patients have minimal post-operative pain. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists past two or three days please contact our office as all of your follow up visits are included in your surgery fee. We are relying on you to communicate with us. It is our goal for this to be a very pleasant experience for you. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.

Drink plenty of fluids. If many teeth have been extracted the blood lost at this time needs to be replaced. Drink at least six glasses of liquid the first day.

Do not rinse your mouth for the first post-operative day, or while there is bleeding. After the first day, use a warm salt-water rinse every 4 hours while awake and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area. (One half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water.) If you are unable to eat salt, please rinse with mouthwash and water. Continue this procedure until healing is complete. After you have seen your dentist for the denture adjustment, take out your denture and rinse 3 to 4 times a day.

Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods, which are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal you will be able to advance to a more regular diet.

• The area operated on will swell reaching a maximum in two days. Swelling and discoloration around the eye may occur. Please contact our office with any concerns.
• Dr. Albright puts a moisturizer on your lips and the corners of your mouth during surgery. You may continue this after surgery. If the corners of the mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with a lip moisturizer.
• There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24-48 hours. If temperature continues, notify my office.
• If you have a temporary prosthesis, nightguard or retainer it may be worn once the bleeding has stopped.