Bleeding: Oozing of blood from the wound is expected, and it may persist on and off for several days. For the first 1 hour after surgery place a folded square of gauze directly over the surgical site and bite firmly, or press with a finger firmly for 20-30 minutes, then remove and examine the site for active bleeding. If persistent, then re-apply gauze for another 20-30 minutes. If after several sessions of placing gauze the bleeding hasn’t stopped, take a black tea bag (Lipton or Red Rose) and place it directly over the site and again apply pressure for 30 minutes. Stitches are often placed, an most of the time are dissolvable and dissolve within 3-10 days. Stitches that dissolve or fall out early usually don’t need to be replaced.

Pain and Swelling: Discomfort and swelling can be expected after all surgical procedures, and usually peaks at 48 hours after the procedure, and may last for several more days. Take your regular non-prescription pain reliever while you are still numb (2-3 tablets of Advil, if not allergic, is the recommended dose for teens and adults). For major oral surgery (surgical tooth extractions, jaw surgery, etc) take your prescription pain medication just as the numbness starts to wear off, and then afterwards, as needed and as directed by the prescription. Eat before taking any prescription (narcotic) pain medication, as this helps to minimize the side effect of nausea. Apply ice to the outside of the face near the surgery sites for 10 minutes on/ 10 minutes off immediately upon your return home, and for the next 36-48 hours while awake.

Eating: Soft or liquid foods are advisable for the first 2-3 days (soups, yogurts, mashed potatoes, soft noodles, smoothies, etc.).

Oral Hygiene: Avoid brushing and flossing the teeth right next to any surgical site for 24 hours as this may damage the blood clot- brush your other teeth as normal though. Rinse your mouth with warm water (one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) 4 times a day and after every meal for the first 4-5 days.

Nausea/Vomiting: Nausea is a common side effect for the first 24 hours after intravenous anesthesia and can occur at any time after taking narcotic pain medications. If you had intravenous anesthesia and are experiencing nausea, avoid taking prescription pain medications until you feel better or else this will exacerbate the nausea. Call the office if this persists more than 24 hours.

Itching, Rashes, Hives: These are all signs of an allergic reaction and may be caused by any medication.

Dry Socket: Is when the blood clot, which normally protects a tooth socket after extraction, dissolves- leaving an empty socket. This is the primary cause of increasing pain (without an increase in swelling) 3-7 days following an extraction. Call the office if there is an increase in pain after 3-4 days.

Prescriptions: If you were given pain medications, only take them if your regular pain reliever (ie: Motrin, Advil or Tylenol) is not effective. If you are getting low on your pain pill supply, please call the office before you run out during normal business hours (8am-4pm, M-TH, 8am-1pm, Fri) so that we may phone in a refill.

Miscellaneous: The following conditions may occur following any oral surgery, including tooth extractions, all of which are common and usually resolve within 2 weeks: