Day 1: Continue biting on the gauze following your procedure until you only see light pink on the gauze, this should be approximately 10-60 minutes. Do NOT spit, rinse, suck, smoke, drink carbonated or alcoholic beverages for at least 48 hours. Passively empty your mouth when needed by letting the fluid drip from your mouth. This will help respect the forming blood clot and avoid a painful complication known as DRY SOCKET.
Day 2: You will most likely experience one or more of the following symptoms: Minor pain, swelling, bruising, limitation in opening or closing your mouth, pain in jaw or ear, sore throat. It is important to listen to your body and take it easy. No heavy lifting, spitting, sucking, alcohol or smoking. Oral hygiene: Brush gently. A gentle lukewarm saltwater rinse can be used to freshen your mouth. But again, do not spit; just let the fluid passively empty. The corners of your mouth may become cracked and dry – moisturize frequently.
Day 3: Your symptoms of pain swelling and tenderness should be reaching a peak at 72 hours and should be getting better. If this is not the case please contact us.
If there is swelling: Apply cold compresses to the affected area at 10-minute intervals for the first 24 hours to minimize swelling. Another good solution is to freeze a small piece of citrus fruit like lime or orange and use this as a cold-pack. Any swelling that occurs usually begins to diminish within 72 hours; call the office if there is no change.
If there is Bleeding: Some oozing of blood is normal for the first 12-24 hours. Put a hand towel on your pillow as some drooling can occur when you are numb. If you experience excessive bleeding, apply firm pressure with 1-2 folded gauze pads or damp tea bag on the affected area for 30-60 minutes and keep your head elevated. Call the office if the bleeding does not subside.
Diet: Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid carbonated and alcoholic beverages. A soft diet will be easiest: Nutritious Smoothies are excellent (no straw), , Veggies, Fruits. Avoid small seeds and crunchy food that could lodge into the healing site. Spicy food is not recommended. It is normal to have a little tenderness while chewing and difficulty opening wide.
Stitches: If you have received sutures, avoid playing with them. Stitches in the mouth often resorb. if we determine you may need stitches for longer we will have used a non-resorbable suture and made an appointment for removal.
Prescriptions: If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed until they are all gone, even if symptoms dissipate. Some antibiotics can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills or other medications. If pain medication or a mouth rinse is prescribed take as directed. In case of any unusual disturbances, questions, or any post-surgical problems, please call the office.