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.
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 moistened gauze pad over the area and biting firmly for 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes. The tannic acid in the tea bag 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 is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice cubes or a bag of “frozen peas” on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously (30 min. on/30 min. off) as much as possible for the first 36 hours.
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.
Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. Dr. Jachimowicz uses long acting local anesthesia on his patients, allowing them enough time to get comfortable. Effects of pain medications vary widely among individuals. You may be given a prescription for pain medication, and if you take the first pill before the anesthetic has worn off completely, you will be able to manage any discomfort better. If a narcotic pain medicine is prescribed by Dr. Jachimowicz, it is important not to take the pain medication on an empty stomach as this will cause nausea. If you do not have any contra indications to taking ibuprofen or Tylenol, most dental surgical pain may be alleviated with a regimen of Tylenol (1000mg) and ibuprofen (600mg). These medicines can be taken alternately every 3 hours. This treatment has many advantages including decreasing postoperative nausea, decreasing swelling after surgery and avoidance to the drowsiness associated with narcotic pain medication. Remember that the most severe discomfort is usually within the first six hours after the anesthetic wears off, after that your need for medicine should lessen.
For 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. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.
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, taking care to avoid the surgical site. Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) four times a day. Continue this procedure until healing is complete. REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are involved in regular exercise, be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising. Remember no exercise the first week, 75% of your normal routine the second week, and 100% the third week. Do not disturb the surgical area the day of your surgery. Do NOT rinse vigorously or probe the area with any objects or your fingers. DO NOT SMOKE for at least 72 hours (3 days) prior to or for 1 week after surgery, since it is very detrimental to the healing process. DO NOT drink through a straw for the first 2 weeks after surgery.