After the Removal of Multiple Teeth
If you went to sleep today for your surgery (had IV sedation), go home and rest when discharged from our office. You may be sleepy, have some memory loss, and may become nauseated, dizzy, and/or faint from the sedation. An adult MUST stay with you for 12-24 hours after your surgery. Today, lie on your right side with your head elevated until all the effects of the anesthetic disappear. You must not operate any mechanical equipment or drive a motor vehicle for at least 24 hours (longer if you feel any residual effect from the anesthetic or are taking the prescription pain medication). Do not use stairs by yourself. No strenuous activity for 2-3 days.
- Rotate ice packs on the face, 20 minutes to one side then the other during the first 24-48 hours after surgery. You may use heat and/or ice after 48 hours, whatever makes you feel better. There may not be noticeable swelling for up to 3 (three) days so ELEVATE your head at night for the next 5-7 days.
- The gauze may be changed every hour for the next 2-4 hours. Leave 4-6 pieces of gauze together, fold in half, moisten slightly, and place over the surgical areas. If the bleeding becomes heavy boil a tea bag, cool, and place on the area for 1 (one) hour. Blood-tinged saliva may be present for 24 hours or longer.
- Tomorrow (24 hours) start holding warm salt water in your mouth after each meal and before bed (1/2 teaspoon with 1/2 cup warm water). Keep your mouth clean.
- DO NOT smoke, spit, suck on straws, use commercial mouthwashes, drink alcohol, or any carbonated beverage/soft drinks. No vigorous rinsing, probing at the surgical sites with your tongue, toothpicks, Waterpik, fingers, etc. Following these guidelines for 1 (one) week may help you prevent dry sockets.
- Brush gently around the surgical area. By day 7 (seven), you should be brushing normally over the surgical areas.
- You may notice soft swelling and bruising after 3-5 days, but these should disappear in 3-6 weeks. Extracting several teeth may cause bruising on the cheeks, drift down to the chest, and maybe cause “black eyes”.
- Tightness of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty opening your mouth and should disappear within 7-30 days. If your cheek muscles are sore and feel stiff, stay on a soft, non-chewing diet, alternate ice packs with warm moist heat packs to your cheeks, do a range of motion exercises, and take IBUPROFEN/ADVIL/MOTRIN as directed. This anti-inflammatory medication is good for mild to moderate surgical and muscle pain. If you have soreness or swelling at the IV site used during surgery, place very warm, moist compresses to the area 4 (four) times a day. If you notice redness, swelling, or streaking in the area, call our office immediately. Narcotics will not be given after office hours.
- Eat/drink cold items while numb, progressing to more solid foods-bland liquids, pureed or soft foods like Jell-O, pudding, ice cream, mashed potatoes, soft cooked vegetables, milkshakes, Ensure, Boost, Carnation Instant Breakfast, soup, and baby food. If you are a diabetic, maintain your normal diet as much as possible/follow your physician’s instructions regarding your insulin schedule.
- Your tongue, lips, cheeks, and throat will be numb for 4-8 hours. Take the pain medication when you start to feel discomfort. The prescription pain medication has Tylenol in it so DO NOT TAKE ADDITIONAL TYLENOL.
- To help prevent nausea/stomach upset eat/drink a cup of food/liquid before taking any medicine.
- A slight rise in body temperature may occur during the first 24 hours after surgery so drink a lot of liquids. If your temperature should rise above 101 degrees, please call our office. Day 3 after any surgery is usually the most uncomfortable.
- “Bone splinters” are normal after this type of surgery. In 3-7 days, begin to gently rub over the surgical area(s) to file splinters down as they develop and contour the gums so that dentures may fit better.
- If dentures were put in at our office after surgery, do not remove them for 24 hours or until you see your dentist. Leaving your dentures out longer than 15 minutes may cause them not to fit because the gums will swell.
- Please be assured that our interest in your case does not end with the completion of surgery. If you have an emergency after hours, please go to the nearest emergency room or call our office for further automated instructions.
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