POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS- TOOTH EXTRACTION

DO NOT DISTURB THE AREA: For the next few days, and especially the first 24 hours, it is very important to allow your body to form a good clot and start the natural healing process. Swishing, sucking through a straw and smoking can all dislodge the clot. If both sides are involved eat soft food.

BLEEDING: When you leave the office, you might be biting on gauze to control the bleeding. Keep slight pressure on this gauze for at least 30 minutes. Don’t change it during this time. It needs to remain undisturbed while the clot forms in the extraction socket. After 30 minutes you may remove it. You may bite on gauze or tea bag for another 30 minutes if you feel it is still bleeding. Small amounts of blood in the saliva can make your saliva appear quite red. This is normal and may be noticed the rest of the day after the procedure.

SMOKING: Smoking should be stopped following surgery. The suction created when inhaling cigarettes can dislodge the clot. Smokers are at a greater risk of developing a painful dry socket.

PAIN: Some discomfort is normal after surgery. To minimize the pain, take Tylenol, Advil or similar NON-ASPIRIN PAIN RELIEVER. Take it before the anesthesia wears off. If prescription medication is prescribed take it as instructed on the label. Don’t exceed the dose on the label. Taking with food or milk will help reduce upset stomach. Avoid driving or operation heavy machinery when taking pain prescriptions. Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription medications.

NAUSEA: This is the most often caused by taking pain medications on an empty stomach. Reduce nausea by preceding each pill with soft food and taking the pill with a large glass of water.

SWELLING: Applying an ice bag to the face over the operated area will minimize swelling. Apply for 15 minutes then remove for 15 minutes. Continue this for the day.

NUMBNESS: The local anesthetic will cause you to be numb for some time after you leave the office. Be careful not to bite, pinch, chew or scratch the numb area. Sometimes the extraction causes residual numbness or tingling for six weeks or longer.

BRUSHING: Brush your teeth carefully and gently for a few days after surgery

RINSING: Avoid all rinsing or swishing for 24 hours after extraction. Rinsing can disturb the formation of a healing blood clot which is essential to proper healing. This could cause bleeding and risk of dry socket. After 24 hours, you may begin a gentle rinsing with a saltwater solution. (1/2 tsp. salt & ½ tsp. soda & 8 oz. water) Avoid commercial mouth rinses.

DIET: Eat soft foods for the first 2 days. Maintain a good, balanced diet. Return to normal meals as soon as you are able after the first 2 days. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol for 48 hours.

ACTIVITY: After leaving the office, rest and avoid strenuous activity for the remainder of the day. Keeping blood pressure lower will reduce bleeding and aid healing.

ANTIBIOTICS: If you were given an antibiotic prescription take all of them as directed until they are gone. Women: Some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use alternate birth control methods for 2 months.

SINUS: If your sinus was involved in the procedure, you should avoid blowing your nose or playing a musical instrument for one week. Use of decongestant medications might be recommended.

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

FOR THE CARE OF YOUR NIGHTGUARD APPLIANCE

1. Soften the appliance under warm tap water prior to the placement. ( If appliance is duel flex).
2. Never allow the appliance near high temperatures nor allow it to dehydrate for more than 24 hours.
3. Keep the appliance in a humidor when not in use. Your retainer case should work nicely. Simply place a small piece of wet paper towel in the case.
4. Harden the appliance under cold tap water prior to cleaning. (If appliance is duel flex)
5. In normal use, the appearance of the resilient portion of the appliance may vary from the crystal clear to mildly opaque.
6. If you notice any changes in your symptoms, appearance of your mouth or gums, contact your dentist.
7. Removal of the appliance is best accomplished by using equal pressure on both sides of the mouth. This will minimize the chance of damage to the resilient portion of the appliance.
8. Please be sure to keep your appliance in a safe place away from your pets.