Post Operative Care and Instructions

---

Hopefully, we’ve had a chance to address many of your concerns before leaving the office today. But just in case we didn’t, or if you need a reminder, here is some information about what to expect in the days following surgery.

Please remember that we are partners in caring for your health. Your doctor and nurses have done their best to minimize your discomfort, and start you off properly on the road to wellness. But the next phase — recovery — is in your hands. There is much you can do to assure that your recovery time is as short, painless and complication-free as possible. Please take a few moments to look over the below instructions for the days ahead.

When a tooth is pulled out of the gums, a blood clot forms in the space that is left behind. The blood clot is a natural part of the healing process which protects the exposed nerves and bone inside the socket. It is important to follow the diet guidelines as to not dislodge the clot. If the clot is accidentally dislodged out of the hole, a condition called dry socket develops. You might feel intense pain radiating from the site of the extraction or experience an unpleasant taste in your mouth

You may and should resume eating immediately after surgery once you are able. This is an important step to not only regain strength and nutrients but also to prevent nausea from the medications you may be prescribed.

For the first 3-5 days after surgery :

• Maintain a soft diet ( jello, mashed potatoes, pudding, yogurt, bananas etc.)
• DO NOT drink any hot liquids (coffee, tea, soup) 
• Avoid spicy foods that may irritate the site
• DO NOT Use a Straw for 1 week
• DO NOT smoke for 1 week 
• DO NOT drink alcohol for at least 72 hours 

It is normal, common and expected to have mild to moderate bleeding after Oral Surgery.  Your doctor and/or nurse will clean and change your gauze before leaving the office as well as supply you with additional gauze in the event bleeding occurs. Please follow the below guidelines in regards to bleeding. 

If bleeding is excessive and unstoppable, contact our office immediately

• Bite down on moist gauze for a consistent 20-30 minutes at the site of the extraction. If there is further bleeding, bite down on gauze for an additional 30 minutes. 
• If bleeding persists, place a cool moistened tea bag over the site and bite down for up to 60 minutes. Tannic acid found in black tea will aid in the formation of blood clots
• Remember to swallow saliva only and wipe excessive blood out of the mouth with clean gauze
• DO NOT SPIT
• DO NOT SWALLOW BLOOD
• Keep your head elevated overnight

 *** If bleeding is persistent and there is still a high volume of blood even after all the above recommendations have been followed, contact the office at 484-461-0128, option 4. If no response from the office within the hour please go to the emergency room.***

 It is also normal and common to have mild to moderate swelling or bruising after Oral Surgery. These may occur to the lip, cheek, chin and neck areas closest to the extractions. Swelling can start as early as the first day of your procedure and could peak on the 3rd or 4th day of post-op healing. Please follow the below guidelines in regards to swelling or bruising.

• Apply ice to the affected area in 20 minute intervals (20 mins on/ 20 mins off) as tolerated for 48 hours
• Apply a warm moist compress to the affected area in 20 minute intervals (same as above) as tolerated, or as instructed by the doctor.
• Apply a warm moist compress to affected area if swelling persists after the 3rd day of procedure (36 hours post-op)
• A sore throat may develop as the muscles of the throat are near the extraction sites. Swelling into the throat muscles can cause pain -- this is normal and should subside in 2-3 days post-op. 

*** Extreme swelling may be a sign of infection or allergic reaction to medication and you should contact our office immediately. If throat swelling occurs (anaphylaxis) please go to the emergency room and have the treating physician contact our office***

It is common to experience pain or discomfort after Oral Surgery, not only at the extraction site, but also the surrounding area (commonly called referred pain)

The amount of discomfort you’ll feel after surgery usually depends on the extensiveness of your procedure. The local anesthetic used during surgery will begin to wear off within 1-2 hours and you may begin to feel less comfortable after this time. 

Please take Ibuprofen (up to 800mg) or Extra-Strength Tylenol (after eating) at the recommended dosages until the doctor is able to send over your prescription.

The doctor will prescribe what is medically necessary based on your specific procedure. Effective October 24, 2019, PA Law (2018 Act 96) dictates that all pain management prescriptions are to be e-prescribed through an electronic portal. As such the Doctor will send over your prescription once all IV Sedation surgeries are complete, which is normally before the end of the business day. 

As a reminder we are unable to give paper scripts nor call pain management in to a pharmacy.

Please note that some antibiotics can interfere with the ability of birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. If you normally use oral contraceptives, please be sure to use an additional method of birth control during the course of your antibiotic treatment.

If pain is excruciating or persists for longer than 7 days post-op please contact our office.

 Beginning the day after your Oral Surgery (24 hours), gentle rinsing with warm salt water should be done after each meal. To do this, you will mix 1⁄4 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water and continue for 10 to 14 days or until otherwise directed.

 You may resume brushing your teeth the day after your Oral Surgery taking care not to  traumatize the site. 

DO NOT use mouthwash for at least 7 days after your Oral Surgery as this may irritate the site and could cause issues with healing.

DO NOT drive or operate machinery of any kind for the remainder of the day after IV Sedation.

DO NOT lift anything heavier than 2 lbs, especially young children, for the remainder of the day.

You may resume normal activity as tolerated after 24 hours, avoiding strenuous exercise for the next 3-5 days.

You may do physical therapy exercises as instructed by a physician.