Surgical Instructions


Locations

Northwest Office

Henderson Office

Southwest Office

702-360-8918

After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Do not disturb the wound. If surgical packing was placed, leave it alone. The pack helps to keep the tooth exposed. If it gets dislodged or falls out do not get alarmed.

Bleeding

  • A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. Excessive bleeding may be controlled by first rinsing or wiping any old clots from your mouth, then placing a gauze pad over the area and biting firmly for thirty minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag for thirty minutes. The tannic acid in the tea bag helps to form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels. If bleeding continues, rinse vigorously with hydrogen-peroxide for 30 seconds, SPIT and QUICKLY replace the gauze or tea bag.  Again, it is not abnormal to continue to ooze for the first 24 hours after surgery.  To minimize further bleedinding, do not disturb the area and avoid exercise.

Swelling

  • The swelling that is normally expected is usually proportional to the surgery involved. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the body's normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. The swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until 2-3 days post-operatively. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. Two baggies filled with ice, or ice packs should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed.

  • The ice packs should be left on continuously while you are awake (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off).  After 36 hours, ice has no beneficial effect. If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days, there is no cause for alarm. This is a normal reaction to surgery. Thirty-six (36) hours following surgery, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face is beneficial in reducing the size of the swelling.

Pain

  • For mild to moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol may be taken every four hours OR Ibuprofen, (Motrin or Advil) two-four 200 mg tablets may be taken every 4 hours.
  • For moderate to severe pain, take the tablets prescribed as directed. The prescribed pain medicine will make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. DO NOT drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day after the 2nd to 3rd post-operative day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office at 702-360-8918.

Diet

  • After general anesthetic or I.V. sedation, liquids should be initially taken. Do not use straws for 2 weeks after surgery. Drink from a glass. The sucking motion can cause more bleeding by dislodging the blood clot. You may eat anything soft by chewing away form the surgical sites. It is very important to eat normally to keep up your strength and to promote healing. 
  • NO RINSING of any kind should be performed until the day following surgery.  You can brush your teeth the night of surgery but rinse gently.  The day after surgery you should begin rinsing 5-6 times a day especially after eating, with a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt.

Oral Hygiene

  • Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth as best you can. Rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) six times a day. Continue this procedure until healing is complete.

REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.

Activity

  • Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising.