POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS:
TOOTH EXTRACTION
Medication
The prescribed antibiotic must be completed.
Discomfort
Pain relief medication will be prescribed. Ibuprofen (600 mg) 4 times daily and Tylenol (1000 mg) 4 times daily can be alternated every 3 hours or so. Tylenol #3 may also be prescribed. This is a strong painkiller and should only be used if other drugs are not effective.
Swelling
To avoid swelling use a cold pack (ice or frozen vegetables) wrapped in a moist towel on the side of your face — 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 12 hours following surgery. Swelling peaks at 72 hours and takes approximately 1 week to completely resolve.
Bleeding
It is not unusual to have some slight bleeding. If the site continues to bleed, try to relax and apply constant pressure with moist gauze or a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes. In order to avoid bleeding, keep your head elevated during the first evening, discontinue your exercise regime for 1 to 2 days, and restrict yourself to a soft diet. As well, do not rinse your mouth, spit, drink through a straw, smoke, or drink alcohol for 24 hours following surgery. Smoking increases your risk of dry socket.You may want to cover your pillow in order to avoid staining the cover the night following surgery.
Oral Hygiene
After surgery, it is important to keep your teeth and mouth as clean as possible. Warm salt-water rinses (1/2 tsp salt in warm water) should be used several times daily, especially after meals, until the site is completely healed. The non-treated areas can be brushed normally. Do not brush your teeth or rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours following surgery.
Post-operative Appointments
You may be seen for a post-operative visit one week after surgery, if necessary.