SURGICAL TOOTH EXTRACTION
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Please read the following instructions carefully.
This will help you heal uneventfully and minimize possibilities of complications
Surgical removal of teeth are considered simple dental surgical procedures. However, due to
Activity: Rest and keep your head elevated for the remainder ofthe day. Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 72hours.Swelling: Although uncommon, some individuals experienceswelling and bruising that may last 5-10 days. To minimize yourrisk of swelling immediately after surgery, apply a cold pack toyour face, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for 2 hours. Coldpacks are most beneficial during the first 24 hours after surgery.Oral hygiene: Do not spit or rinse vigorously during the first 24hours after surgery. Avoid brushing in the surgical area during thefirst 24 hours. Afterwards, surgical areas should be brushed gentlyduring the first 10-14 days using the ultra soft brush provided. Ifyou were given a prescription mouth rinse, use as directed. Avoidperoxide and over the counter mouth rinses during the first 2weeks as they may dissolve blood clots. Brush and floss normallyall areas not involved in surgery.Discomfort: Following all types of surgery you can expect somediscomfort including pain and sensitivity. These symptoms maylast up to a few weeks. Take your prescribed pain medication asdirected by your doctor. Consider taking pain medication with milkor other food to help prevent nausea or stomach irritation. Ifnausea develops, reduce or eliminate the pain medication and tryto eat a small portion of mild food such as yogurt. Do not takeAspirin or any other medication containing aspirin. Aspirin cancause increased bleeding following surgery. If any of yourmedication causes itching or skin rash, discontinue immediately. Ifyou experience sensitivity, rinse gently with warm salt water twicedaily for a minimum of one week.Diet: Do not use straws for the first 3 days. Avoid eating hot, hard,and spicy foods. Also, do not eat anything crunchy, crusty, orcrispy. Stick to a soft diet during the first week. Examples arepasta, yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, milkshakes, smoothies,soup, and ice cream.Recommended supplements: Vitamin C, B complex, & E,Coenzyme Q10, and Calcium.Stitches: Your stitches will be removed during your next follow-upappointment. Stitches can loosen after a few days. If your stitchesloosens, do not worry. They will generally remain in place untilyour follow-up appointment.Antibiotics: Take antibiotics as directed until they are ALL GONE.If you have an adverse reaction such as itching, nausea, orexcessive diarrhea, discontinue the antibiotics andcall the office. Antibiotics can lower the efficacy oforal contraceptives. Use alternative methods.