The removal of impacted teeth is a serious surgical procedure. Post-operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and the complications of infection and swelling can be minimized if the instructions below are followed carefully.
Bleeding:
Minor bleeding or blood tinged saliva may occur for the first 24-48 hours following surgery.
Keep gauze packs in place over the surgical site/sites using firm pressure for the first 30-45 minutes. Remove gauze after 30-45 minutes and if the surgical site is not actively bleeding.
- DO NOT replace gauze if there is only slight oozing. If heavy bleeding still occurs, replace with new gauze and bite firmly for an additional 30 minutes
- DO NOT smoke for 10 days
- DO NOT drink through a straw or suck on candy for one week
- Exercise should be minimal in the first few days after surgery. Try to avoid any vigorous activity or heavy lifting
- If heavy bleeding continues, place a dry tea bag on the extraction site for 30-45 to help minimize
Pain:
Medication may have been prescribed according to your anticipated level of discomfort.
Prescription pain medication is to be used IF NEEDED.
- Begin by taking Tylenol, if Tylenol is not enough to dissipate pain levels, then begin prescription pain medication
- You may begin pain medication once the numbness starts to wear off. Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed
- Take medication with food to avoid nausea
- Do not operate machinery or drink alcohol while taking pain medication
- It is also recommended to take over the counter ibuprofen. 2 tablets (400 mg) 3 times a day for 1 week after surgery to help with discomfort and swelling
Swelling:
Swelling is the body’s normal response to surgery and the beginning of the healing process. It will vary among patients and procedures. Swelling will increase over the first 48 hours and subside over the next 5-7 days.
- Apply ice packs (20 min on 20 min off) for the first 24-48 hours
- For bruising switch to warm moist heat (20 min on 20 min off staring AFTER the first 48 hrs)
- Keep head elevated for 72 hours; using 2 pillows while sleeping, for comfort as needed
Diet:
You can eat as soon as you would like; a soft diet is recommended but not necessary. Cool foods, iced beverages, and lukewarm soup are best.
- Avoid hot beverages until the numbness wears off
- Avoid dairy after the first few hours if you had general anesthesia
- Avoid drinking carbonated drinks, alcohol, and mouth wash (Listerine)
Rinsing:
You may begin gentle salt water rinses the next morning and will need to continue rinsing until you return for your post-operative visit.
- Rinse 3-5 times daily using 1/2 tsp of salt and a large glass of warm water
- You can brush and floss as normal keeping the areas as clean as possible and being gentle when brushing toward the back areas
- Avoid excessive or hard spitting
Sutures:
If sutures are placed, they will dissolve without having to be removed within approximately 3-5 days after surgery. Do not be concerned if they loosen or come out prior to your post-op appointment.
