Surgical Instructions

• Before Anesthesia
• Dental Implant Surgery
• Wisdom Tooth Removal
• Exposure of an Impacted Tooth
• Extractions
• Multiple Extractions
• Sinus Lift
• Block Graft
• Ridge Preservation
• Incision & Drainage of Infection
• Botox
• Jaws "Wired"
• Anti-Swelling Medication (Methyprednisolone)

After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Do not disturb the wound.   Often you will feel an orthodontic button or bracket with your tongue.  This is the device your orthodontist will use to help pull your tooth into position.  Any sutures you have are resorbable and will dissolve on their own.  If you are seen in our office after surgery and there are stiches remaining, we will remove them for you.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding which results in your mouth filling rapidly with blood can frequently be controlled by biting with pressure on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice cubes on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice on and off as much as possible for the first 36 hours.  After 72 hours ice has no beneficial effect and warm moist heat may help the area feel better.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength. Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed.  If you are taking a prescribed pain medicine from our office do not take over the counter Tylenol at the same time.  Many prescription pain medicines already contain Tylenol and it is easy to take too much.

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) three to four 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.