Following your procedure, it’s important to follow the dentist’s instructions to ensure a successful recovery. Things to keep in mind :
Leave the area alone : The operated area is highly sensitive after surgery so it’s important to give it time to heal. This is extremely important the first few days since the body needs to form a protective blood clot over the open wound. Avoid touching the area, eating hard foods, smoking or drinking through a straw, which can dislodge the clot.
Bleeding : Keep constant pressure on the gauze pad by biting down on it for 30 minutes to allow the blood clot to form. If you still feel bleeding, you can bite down on another gauze. You may see some blood in your saliva which is normal. This should go away with a day.
Don’t smoke : The chemical in cigarettes drastically reduce the chances of successful healing following surgery. Dry socket is another potential risk of smoking.
Pain : Some mild pain or discomfort is to be expected following surgery. To manage pain, take a non-aspirin painkiller, such as Tylenol, Nuprin, Advil, every few hours. Be sure to follow the instructions and don’t take more than the recommended dosage. Because some pain prescriptions cause drowsiness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking them.
Nausea : To reduce the chances of nausea while taking pain medication, eat a small soft meal prior to taking the pill. Drinking a warm glass of water with the pain medication will also help.
Swelling : Some minor swelling to the face and jaw area is to be expected following surgery. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the operated area for 15 minutes and then leave it off for 15 minutes. Repeat this process throughout the first day.
Numbness : Because of the local anesthetic you will experience numbness for a few hours after surgery. During this time, avoid biting, chewing or scratching the numb area.
Brushing : To allow your mouth to heal, don’t brush your teeth for 8 hours following surgery. After this time, you can brush, but be sure to be gentle and avoid the operated area for the first 3 days.
Rinsing : Don’t rinse your mouth for 24 hours following surgery. Rinsing can loosen the blood clot which can cause bleeding and dry socket to form. You can gently rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours. However, commercial mouth rinses should be avoided.
Diet : For the first two days, eat only soft foods and drink plenty of water. Don’t consume alcohol during this time. You can go back to your normal diet after two days.
Rest : Get plenty of rest and avoid any strenuous activities for the first 24 hours.
Antibiotics : If antibiotics are prescribed, be sure to finish them. Some antibiotics can make birth control pills less effective. If you’re currently taking birth control pills, use other forms of contraception.
Sinus : If the procedure involved your sinus, avoid blowing your nose or playing a wind musical instrument (such as the flute) for 7 days. Decongestant medications may help with your sinuses
Follow-up appointment : You may need to return to our office to have your sutures removed or for a check up.
Contact our office right away if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms :
- Severe pain
- Heavy bleeding
- High fever
- Heavy swelling
- Negative reactions to medications, such as rashes, itching or breathing complications
Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure a successful recovery. If you have any more questions or concerns, contact 16th Street Dental in Yuma today.