Extractions & Wisdom Teeth Removal

CARE BEYOND THE CHAIR

INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING YOUR EXTRACTIONS

Please read this information carefully — it will help to minimize your discomfort, to avoid complications and to speed up your recovery following tooth removal.

Bleeding: Continue to bite on the moist gauze for one hour. If necessary, replace blood-soaked gauze with fresh moist gauze (folded to 1⁄4 its original size). Some oozing of blood and blood in saliva is normal for the first 24-48 hours following tooth extraction. If you run out of gauze, you may use a moist tea bag to bite on instead. AVOID spitting, sucking through a straw, smoking, and physical activity until there is no evidence of bleeding. This helps the clot to remain in the tooth socket, and improves healing.

Pain: Some pain or discomfort is to be expected after tooth extraction. Take all medications as prescribed. For mild pain, ibuprofen is preferred. DO NOT take Aspirin as it is a blood thinner and increases bleeding. If the pain worsens or returns after the third day, contact our office.

Swelling: Swelling may occur following tooth extraction, depending on the individual, and the difficulty of extraction. It can be minimized by applying a cold compress or covered ice to the affected area of your face. While awake, apply cold for 15 minutes then remove for 15 minutes; repeat this for the first 24 hours following extraction

Oral Hygiene: Avoid rinsing your mouth today. If you must, rinse only with clear water, and allow the water to dribble out of your mouth while you wipe it away with a cloth. DO NOT spit. Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth, but avoid contact with the surgical site. Starting tomorrow, rinse your mouth GENTLY with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt to a glass of warm water) 3-4 times per day.

Diet: Soft, cool foods and liquids (e.g.: apple juice and warm broth) will be easiest to eat for the first 24 hours. Advance to soft, nutritious foods when you are able to tolerate them, and return to your regular diet as soon as possible.

Miscellaneous: If sutures were placed, they will dissolve 3-7 days. Depending on the difficulty of extraction, you may experience limited opening and closing of your mouth. If this occurs, apply a hot compress, beginning three or more days following tooth extraction.

MEDICATION MANAGEMENT POST-PROCEDURE

SEDATION

Oral Sedation (Triazolam) or Conscious Sedation (Nitrous Oxide)

INFECTION

Amoxicillin or Clindamycin (For those allergic to Penicillin)

This helps to minimize the possibility of an infection developing during the healing.

PAIN and DISCOMFORT

Alternating Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen has been found to have a greater success in pain reduction.

The following prescription to self administering both Acetaminophen (a.k.a Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (a.k.a Advil) is as follows:

• BEGIN WITH…1000mg of Acetaminophen
• TWO (2) HOURS LATER… 600mg of Ibuprofen
• TWO (2) HOURS FOLLOWING… 1000mg of Acetaminophen
• TWO (2) HOURS FOLLOWING THAT… 600mg of Ibuprofen

Carry on the above dosage as directed for 3-4 days or as prescribed for pain control.

As with all medications, if you have an adverse reaction, stop medication immediately and contact your medical physician.

PAIN and SWELLING

Dexamethasone Injection

This is an injection given by the dentist at the time of surgery to help minimize pain and swelling. There is fee for this medication which will be included on your estimate.

ANTIMICROBIAL

Chlorhexidine Mouth Rinse

This helps minimize bacteria in the mouth that could affect healing

* May cause some tooth stain that can be removed by a courtesy polishing in our officeThis article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.