Pre-Sedation Instructions

The after-effects of oral surgery are different for everyone. If you have any questions, concerns, or experience unusual symptoms following your treatment, please feel free to call our office. 

Immediately after Surgery 

When you return home after surgery, it is best to rest with your head elevated, until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off. Walk slowly and take your time. 
Anesthesia affects everyone differently, and you may feel drowsy for hours. 
You should not operate any mechanical equipment or drive a motor vehicle for at least 12 hours after surgery. In some cases, a more time may be needed. 
Do not drive or use equipment that could be dangerous, such as power tools, stove burners, lawnmower, and garbage disposals. 
Sudden changes of position can also cause nausea or dizziness. 
Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for at least 48hrs after surgery. 

Timeline for Post Op Care 

(Day 1 is the day of surgery) 
Day 1 - Begin cold compresses to the surgical area (20 min on, 20min off) the day of surgery. Continue to Day 2. 
Day 3 - Begin gentle rinsing of the mouth. 
Day 4 – Begin using the syringe to irrigate the extraction sockets. 
(More detailed instructions below) 

Bleeding 

Some oozing is normal and blood-tinged saliva may be present for 48 hours. This may be controlled by placing fresh gauze over the surgical area and biting down gently but firmly for 45 minutes. This is important to allow the blood clot to form. 
The gauze may be changed when necessary and/or repositioned for comfort. 
If bleeding persists, this may be due to the gauze pads being clenched between the teeth, rather than directly on the surgery site. Try repositioning the gauze. 

If bleeding persists, substitute a moist black tea bag for gauze (first soaked in warm water) for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, please call our office. 

Stitches 

We will let you know if we need to remove them, otherwise they will dissolve if present. 

Pain and Medications 

Diet 

DO NOT drink with a straw for the first 5 days. 
If you feel nauseated or sick to your stomach, drink clear liquids like 7-UP, broth, ginger ale, or tea. 
Eat any nourishing food that can be taken with comfort. On the day of surgery, diet should be liquids, pureed or very soft foods, or meal replacement drinks. 
Avoid crunchy or small grainy type food, which may get lodged into the wound. Over the following days, you may progress to more solid foods. Proper nourishment aids in the healing process. 
If you are diabetic, maintain your normal diet as much as possible. Continue to follow your physician’s instructions regarding your insulin schedule. 

Oral Hygiene and Care 

Do not disturb the surgical area the first day. 
You may start normal tooth brushing the day after the surgery. It is important to keep your mouth clean, since food or debris may promote infection. Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the surgical site. 
DO NOT SMOKE for at least 48 hours. 
Day 3 after surgery rinse your mouth with warm salt water rinses (1/2 tsp. salt with 1 cup warm water) after every meal. Carefully swish the water around your mouth, as to not disturb the blood clot. Continue to rinse your mouth this way for 2 weeks. After two weeks you may continue your usual oral hygiene regimen. 
If you were given an irrigating syringe, begin using it Day 4 after surgery. Irrigating the sockets helps to dislodge any debris that may have accumulated. Fill the syringe with warm salt water and irrigate any open sockets gently, after eating. For lower wisdom teeth, it is okay to place the tip of the syringe slightly into the socket during rinsing. You may be irrigating the sites for several weeks after surgery. 

Swelling

 Some swelling is to be expected and usually peaks around 48 hours after surgery. To minimize swelling and discomfort, press a cold pack adjacent to the surgical area. This may be applied 20 minutes on then removed for 20 minutes up to the 72 hours following surgery. 
Stretching of your lips during the procedure may cause them to chap or be sore. Keep lips moist with lip balm to ease cracking or chapping. 
Tightness of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty with opening the mouth. This should ease within 7 days.  

Bruising 

Bruising may occur and is usually near the surgical site. If discoloration occurs, it often takes a week to subside. Sometimes, the skin near IV placement may remain red and tender. A warm compress on the area may help.

Dry Socket 

The blood clot on the surgical site may be lost causing dry socket (typically on the 3rd to 5th day). This may cause a distinct pain in the jaw area, often radiating toward the ear and forward along the jaw which may cause other teeth to ache. It may be worse and throb while lying down. 

Numbness

Most often this is associated with lower wisdom teeth removal and certain bone grafts. It is usually temporary and resolves within a few days or weeks. Occasionally, numbness may persist. Notify us of any numbness or altered sensations. 

If you wear an orthodontic retainer 

It is okay to wear orthodontic retainers immediately after surgery unless otherwise instructed or if it causes discomfort. 
If you leave it out of the mouth too long, it may become difficult or impossible to reinsert. 

We want your recovery to be smooth and with as little discomfort as possible. If you have any questions about your progress or any symptoms you may be experiencing, please call our office. If you have an urgent question after regular office hours, please call the main line and follow the prompts to page the doctor. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911