Post-Operative Instructions

At the time of your consultation, Dr. Green will discuss both pre- and post-operative instructions to ensure that your procedure will be as comfortable and successful as possible. During the consultation, it is also a good time to ask any questions, express concerns, and notify Dr. Green of any health issues or allergies you have.

Download Extraction Post-Op Instructions PDF Download Implant Post-Op Instructions PDF

SWELLING:

• To prevent swelling, we may provide you with an ice pack after your surgery. If provided, apply the ice pack continuously for the next 24 to 36 hours.

BLEEDING:

• Gauze is placed in the mouth by the doctor after surgery. The gauze is to be removed within an hour and is NOT to be replaced.
• If bleeding persists, place a damp tea bag at the site and gently bite down for 30 minutes. It can be repeated at 30-minute intervals if needed.
• DO NOT spit or rinse.

TOBACCO USE:

• DO NOT use tobacco products until the surgical site has healed, 5-14 days. Tobacco adversely affects healing and is the primary cause of pain.
• Nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges are encouraged to be used in place of tobacco products.

DIET:

• A cool liquid and soft food diet is recommended for the day of surgery. Be careful when eating immediately after surgery as you may still be numb. Go slow but DO eat.
• After the first day, getting back to a normal solid food diet is encouraged. Also, the more chewable foods you eat, the more exercise you are giving to your jaw muscles.
• NO bubbly or carbonated drinks for 3-4 days following surgery.
• DO NOT drink alcohol for 3-4 days following surgery.
• DO NOT use straws 3-4 days after surgery.
• DO NOT spit or rinse vigorously 3-4 days after surgery.
• DO NOT use tobacco products 5-14 days after surgery.

CARE OF SURGICAL AREA:

• If given an irrigating syringe, start irrigation on the third day following surgery.
• Fill the syringe with warm salt water, and cleanse the extraction site. Use 1/2 teaspoon of table salt for each full glass of water. Place tip of syringe into the incision site to clean.
• Do this 3-4 times a day for 2 weeks, and then gradually less frequently as the sites begin to heal.
• If there is pain after irrigation with salt water, mix warm water and Chloroseptic together and then irrigate. This will help with any discomfort.

PAIN:

• The amount of discomfort that occurs within the first 2-4 days post-op will vary on the amount of surgery performed.
• Pain is usually well controlled by regular doses of Ibuprofen or Etodolac and occasional doses of Hydrocodone or Ultram.
• Be sure to have food or liquids in your stomach before taking any of the prescribed medications.

DRY SOCKET:

• Dry sockets are caused by the loss of a blood clot in the extraction site. They are accompanied by a distinct odor and persistent pain in the jaw area that radiates up toward the ear.
• First try irrigating with the syringe either with warm salt water or Chloroseptic mixed with water.
• Call our office and schedule a time to come and be evaluated if you think you may have a dry socket.

NUMBNESS:

• The loss of sensation of the lip and chin may occur. It is usually temporary and feeling returns in a few days, weeks, or months.
• On occasion the loss of sensation can last weeks due to the close association of the roots of the teeth and the nerve that supplies sensation to the areas described above.

BRUSHING AND RINSING:

• DO NOT brush or rinse your mouth the day of the surgery.
• The day following surgery, you must resume brushing and flossing of all gums, teeth, and sutures.
• Brush gently around the surgical area.
• Rinse with salt water 6-8 times per day for 3 days.

Related Pages:

Pre-Op Instructions New Patient Information