Do not disturb the wound or surgical packing. The pack helps keep the tooth exposed. If it gets dislodged or falls out, do not become alarmed.
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, to the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously as much as possible for the first 36 hours.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding hot liquids and 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, one or two Tylenol may be taken every three to four hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol in two to three 200 mg tablets every three to four hours, as needed, for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed.
Oral Hygiene
Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth as best you can, but be gentle around the site of surgery. Rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) six 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 happens, you should discontinue exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you become lightheaded, stop exercising.
