Often times a tooth is unrestorable or the patient opts to have the tooth extracted instead of root canal treatment. Extractions of teeth, both simple and complicated, are performed at Dhuga Dental Centre. The procedure involves local anesthetic to anesthetize (a.k.a. freeze) the area. Patients are comfortable during all their procedures at Dhuga Dental Centre including extractions. You may watch satellite television during your procedure, your favourite movie or just close your eyes, relax and enjoy a back massage in our dental chair.
Post-Operative Instructions Following Oral Surgery
Bite continuously on the gauze placed over the surgical area for 30 minutes. This will help in forming a blood clot. After 30 minutes, remove the piece of gauze and take another piece of gauze, place it over the surgical area and continue biting on it until you feel the need to change the gauze, usually 30 minutes. It is normal for the gauze to get wet. Swallow the spit forming in your mouth. DO NOT SPIT.
Do not change the gauze too often; it will disrupt the formation of blood clot. Throw the gauze out before you sleep. If you find thick, jello-like clots in your moth, the blood clot has not formed.
In this case:
- take a piece of gauze
- fold it
- place it over the surgical area
- continue biting on it
It is very important that you get the prescribed medication TODAY and you finish the course of the antibiotics as directed. Take the pain medication only if necessary. The pain medication causes drowsiness, so refrain from any activity requiring agility.
The second anaesthetic, if administered will last approximately seven hours.
After you go home, start applying ice-packs to the outside of your face overlying where the tooth/teeth were extracted. Put approximately four to five ice cubes in a plastic bag. Wrap the plastic bag in a handkerchief. Take the opposite ends of the handkerchief and tie knots to create a hand grip for yourself. Apply the ice-packs to the surgical areas of your face for 10 minutes at a time and then take a 10 minute break from the ice. Continue applying the ice-packs for up to 48 hours.
Today, sleep with two pillows to keep your head elevated above your heart. This will help to prevent the build-up of blood pressure which causes swelling. You may get some swelling but it will decrease after five to seven days.
Ensure you rest today. No heavy exercise, lifting or work.
Do not spit, smoke or drink through a straw. This causes negative pressure in your mouth and it will distract the formation of the blood clot or it may loosen the existing blood clot.
Brush your teeth as normal, with toothpaste. Do not worry if the paste goes near the surgical area. Remember to rinse your mouth very slowly. DO NOT SPIT – drool the excess paste and water out by leaving your mouth open over the sink and allowing the water to naturally fall out of your mouth.
Start salt water rinses two days after the surgery. Mix ½ teaspoon salt and eight ounces of warm water. Rinse as regularly as you feel comfortable with for one week.
The stitches may need to be removed one week after the surgery appointment.
Maintain a soft diet for today including milk, juice and warm soup. Avoid hot items. Tomorrow, enjoy mashed potatoes, pasta, scrambled eggs and other soft foods.
If you are having any problems, or have any questions, call our office at 905.879.1600.
We will be seeing you in one week to follow-up on your healing. We will provide you with mouth exercises if you are experiencing mobility issues.
What you can expect following your appointment:
1 to 6 hours:
Return of sensation
Initial onset of discomfort
Slow steady bleeding
6 to 12 hours
Minor bleeding
Increase in discomfort
Mild swelling
Feverish
Fatigue
12 to 24 hours
Little or no bleeding
Further increase in discomfort
Moderate swelling
Decreased mouth opening
24 to 48 hours (1 to 2 days)
Maximum Discomfort
Increasing swelling
Possible Stomach sensitivity with respect to drugs
Little or no bleeding
Possible discolouration and bruising overlying area
Further decreased opening
Discomfort on change of position or exertion
Can be the worst period
48 to 96 hours (2 to 4 days)
Discomfort starts to decrease
Swelling still increasing
Further discolouration and bruising over area
No bleeding
Limited opening of mouth
5 to 7 days
Very little discomfort
Swelling begins to decrease
Decreasing discolouration and bruising
No pain except when you lie down or exert energy
No bleeding
Getting back to eating normal foods
Mouth opening starting to improve
DO:
Cover your pillow the first 2 nights to avoid staining from drooling
Call if there’s a problem
Begin salt water rinses after 24 hours – as often as you are comfortable with
DO NOT:
Smoke for 96 hours (4 days)
Use a straw
Spit
Rinse in the first 24 hours
Brush for 24 hours
Exercise
