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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 helps to form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels. To minimize further bleeding, do not become excited, sit upright, and avoid exercise. If bleeding does not subside, call for further instructions.
Swelling
Swelling is normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply 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 20 minutes on 20 minutes off while awake for the first 48 hours.
Diet
Drink plenty of liquids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten for the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise instructed.
Pain
For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra strength Tylenol may be taken every three to four hours or Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) four 200mg. tablets may be taken every 8 hours.
For severe pain take the tablets prescribed for pain 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.
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 to 8 oz. of warm water). Continue this 4-5 times a day until the 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. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment and this may cause weakness.
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