NO Vigorous rinsing....for at least 24-48
hours after your surgery
Don't over exert yourself
Begin a very gentle warm salt
water rinses (1tsp. salt for every 8oz. of water four time daily after the first 24
hours. (DO NOT use any type of mouthwash for
rinsing for a week).
If you are watching salt intake in your diet, you may substitute the
salt water rinse with a peroxide and warm water rinse. Use a 50/50 peroxide and
water solution.
You can brush your teeth
the day of surgery. Just be careful rinsing and spitting.
(Pictured above is an
illustration of the blood clot that forms in the socket where the extracted tooth used to
be. Also pictured is the gauze that is being used to help stop the bleeding at the
extraction site.)
BLEEDING
Bite on gauze for 1-2 hours after your extraction(s).
Some oozing should be expected for several hours. Oozing is another name for a clear
drainage from the socket site. The clear drainage is part of the healing process.
If oozing continues, bite on gauze for an additional 30 minutes. If bleeding
is persistent, an old home remedy is to bite on a moistened tea bag.
SWELLING
Keep ice on your face over the surgery area approximately
one hour on, then one hour off for the first 24-48 hours. After 48 hours, use warm
compresses as needed to reduce any additional swelling.
If Dr. Pitts has prescribed a medication for swelling, the
entire dose for the first day of the regimen should taken the day of
surgery. Dr. Pitts recommends that the patient take three pills
as soon as possible after the surgery with a small snack, the remaining three pills
are to be taken in the evening or at bedtime with a snack.
Follow the instructions on the package for the remainder of
the regimen.
INFECTION
Take your antibiotics as prescribed.
It is very important to finish your antibiotic. Should you have any
complication with your antibiotic, let Dr. Pitts know immediately.
If you develop a
fever or chills, please call Dr. Pitts. (Please note that there may be a
slight elevation of temperature for the first 24-48 hours
and this is normal).
PAIN
The area of surgery will be numb for several hours after
the surgery.
Take any pain medicine given to you only as prescribed.
It is recommended that the first dose of pain medicine is taken
before the numbness wears off at the surgery site. Advil
(Ibuprofen) or Aleve (Naproxin Sodium) can be taken along with your
prescribed medication if needed for additional pain relief.
Please note that you should
not take the pain medicine on an empty stomach. It is
best to begin with clear liquids (i.e. 7up, Ginger
Ale, clear broth, apple juice). Also keep in mind that your pain pill can be cut
in half if it is too strong.
DO NOT drive, operate
power tools or machinery, or walk on stairs unassisted if
you are taking narcotic pain medication
Call Dr. Pitts if you
develop nausea, vomiting or other problems.
POST OP
Be sure to see Dr. Pitts as scheduled for your post
operative visit. A post operative appointment is usually scheduled approximately one week
after the surgery. This will allow Dr. Pitts to check the surgery site for proper
healing and enable him to detect any possible complications. The stitches that are
used for most procedures will dissolve on their own. However, any stitch that
remains at the time of the post-op appointment will be removed by Dr. Pitts. If you
cannot make your appointment, please call to reschedule as soon as possible.
TIPS
It is very important to eat
soft foods (about the consistency
of cooked pasta). No chips, pretzels, peanuts, etc...
Stay away from crunchy, chewy or small hard foods even when it
is not uncomfortable to eat them. Food particles
can become lodged in the socket and keep it from
healing. This would cause additional pain, swelling
and infection that can result in delayed healing time.
For examples of recommended postoperative foods, please
refer to the Pre-Operative
instructions page.
Keep your head elevated (sit in a reclined position or use
a few extra pillows when sleeping). This will help minimize swelling and bleeding.
If you have had anesthesia,
spread out all of your medications for the first day.
This will be easier on your system.
STAY HYDRATED! Drink
plenty of fluids.
(The above illustration shows the healing process of
the socket. It is important to remember that the area of the extraction will take
some time to fill in completely. Good oral hygiene in this area is very important in
order to prevent food and other debris from becoming trapped in the socket while healing.)
Dr. Pitts can be reached at our office number 301-698-5208 anytime. An answering
service can put you in touch with Dr. Pitts if you have a question or concern after our
regular office hours.
