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Instructions Following Oral Surgery Bleeding: Normal oozing may occur for up to 24 hours or more following surgery and is controlled by firm biting pressure on several gauze pads placed over the tooth socket. Keep gauze packs in mouth until you eat. Replace with fresh gauze after eating and until you go to sleep. If bleeding is brisk and fills the mouth quickly, call the office at (818) 248-7976. If you are calling after office hours, an emergency operator will assist you with getting in touch with the doctor. Swelling: Swelling and sometimes bruising are common after surgery. The maximum swelling, pain and jaw stiffness normally occurs 2 or 3 days after surgery. Apply ice packs for 15 minutes on then 15 minutes off until bedtime on the day of the surgery. This will keep swelling to a minimum. Also, keep your head elevated until bedtime. Moist heat after 36 hours may help jaw soreness. Pain: The greatest amount of discomfort is in the first 6 to 8 hours after surgery. Never take pain medication on an empty stomach. Take pain medicine as directed. It itching or a rash develops, stop taking all medications and contact the office immediately. If a dull pain along with an earache increases on the 3rd or 4rth day, call the office to have it checked. Muscle Soreness: Difficulty in opening jaws is common after third molar extractions. Chewing gum at intervals will help with muscle soreness along with moist heat after 36 hours has passed. Mouth Care: No rinsing or smoking for 24 hours following surgery. The day after surgery, rinse with a glass of warm water mixed with one teaspoon of salt five times a day for at least one week. Brush and floss as usual but avoid the surgical sites. The corners of your mouth may dry and crack so keep them moist with a plain lip balm. Diet: It is important to maintain good nutrition following surgery. Eat a lukewarm soft diet the day of surgery. Do not drink through a straw. Eat whatever you can the day after surgery but stay away from hard, chewy foods. Drink plenty of fluids. INFECTION: Infection following surgery is rare but if swelling and discomfort worsens after the 4th day following surgery along with a foul taste, fever, and difficulty swallowing, contact the office or emergency number immediately. TEA BAGS: Tea bags are useful to control bleeding at home. If bleeding seems to be excessive at home tonight, wet a tea bag with warm water and place it over the bleeding area, bite down firmly for one to two hours and bleeding should stop. DO NOT EAT POPCORN, CHIPS, NUTS, OR OTHER SMALL HARD FOODS FOR 6 WEEKS. |