Post Operative Insturctions Following Extractions

1. Moderate bleeding can be expected after the surgery. Keep the gauze sponges firmly between your jaws and over the extraction site for a full half hour after the surgery. If bleeding persists, the process should be repeated.
2. The mouth should not be rinsed for at least six hours after the surgery or until bleeding has stopped completely. On the day following surgery, rinsing may be done four times a day with a solution of on half teaspoon of salt to a full glass of warm water.
3. For the control of pain, a prescription has been written for you. Have it filled and take the medication as indicated. This can be started at the onset of slight discomfort.
4. Swelling of facial tissue an be expected. Apply an ice bag to the face over the site of the wound for fifteen minutes on and fifteen off, for the first day only. The day following surgery, a hot compress applied in the same manner is advisable for a day or two.
5. Your teeth and gums should be brushed to maintain oral cleanliness, however, avoid the extraction site.
6. Diet is regulated by the comfort of chewing. Food intake may have to be restricted to a soft diet or a liquid form. Liquids should be taken frequently.
7. Smoking should be discontinued or kept to a minimum for the first day following surgery.
8. The following occurences should be expected and should not cause concern:
   1. Slight oozing of blood for several days
   2. Swelling whicfh follows surgery within the first 24 hours
   3. Discomfort which may not be totally controlled by the pain medication for the first 24-48 hours
   4. Discoloration of the skin of the face and neck area near the site of surgery
   5. A slight elevated temperature within the first 24 hours
9. The office should be contaced should any of the following arise:
   1. Profuse, uncontrollable bleeding
   2. Swelling which had it's initial onset after the first 24 hours
   3. A merkedly elevated temperature

We look forward to helping you adjust to and enjoy your new dentures.