Proper care of the mouth following extractions can reduce most complications and speed healing.
1. Preventing Bleeding: maintain gentle pressure by biting on a gauze sponge that has been placed over the surgical area (or by biting on a tea bag that has been gently moistened and wrapped in piece of gauze). Keep steady, firm pressure for 60 minutes. Repeat with a new gauze as often as needed. There may be normal blood stains in the saliva for hours or days after treatment. If a packing was placed, (or a denture is used) your packing will provide pressure and will take the place of gauze.
2. Do not rinse, spit, or use a mouth wash for at least 24 hours, rinse with warm, salt water. 1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 oz. water every 1-2 hours is recommended. Use Natural Dentist mouth rinse after 2 days, the use of stronger over the counter mouth washes may delay healing and is not recommended.
3. Discomfort following dental surgery is normal. If medication had been prescribed, take as instructed. It may take 20 minutes or so before medication is effective.
4. The toothbrush may be carefully used in the area of the mouth not involved with the surgical procedures. A clean mouth heals faster. After 24 hours, brush carefully around the treated area.
5. Eating: adequate intake of food and fluid following surgery or extractions is especially important. You may eat when bleeding has stopped. Stay on a soft-cool diet, you may use liquid diet supplements. Daily multi-vitamins are also helpful including vitamin C and CoQ-10. Avoid highly seasoned and spicy foods.
6. Avoid all strenuous and excessive activity. Do not pick at the surgical area, don't consume liquids through a straw, avoid alcoholic beverages and refrain from smoking until healing is well established. Eat on the other side.
7. If non resorbable sutures were used, do not fail to return for their removal on the appointment date given.
8. Control of swelling: gently apply ice packs to the area for periods of 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off Ice should be used for the first 24 hours only. Swelling is normal after surgery and ice will help to minimize it. After the first day discontinue ice and begin to use mild heat.
9. Allergic reactions: for generalized rash, itching, etc., discontinue all medications immediately and call your physician and our office. You may have a normal brief feeling of weakness or chills during the next two days. This may not be an allergic reaction.
10. Please call if any questions arise. If your call is at a late hour, our answering service will put you in touch with the doctor.