Post-Operative Instructions
Extraction:
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on gauze for 45 minutes after the appointment. After this remove gauze. If the bleeding or oozing persists, insert another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.
Do not swish, rinse, or spit for 24 hours after surgery.
Do not suck through straw.
Do not smoke for at least 5 days after surgery.
Keep your fingers and tongue away from the socket or surgical area.
You may use ice packs on the side of the face near the extraction site for the first 48 hours; apply ice 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off. (Note: Bags of frozen peas work well.)
Avoid strenuous activity and do not exercise for at least 3–4 days after surgery.
Twenty-four hours after surgery, use a warm salt water rinse following meals for the first week to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the surgical area. Mix 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
Your diet should consist mainly of soft, easily swallowed foods and cool drinks. Avoid anything that might get stuck in your teeth such as seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, or similar foods.
If you experience oozing blood from the extraction site, you may moisten a black tea bag and place it on the extraction site and bite until bleeding subsides. If bleeding persists, please contact us. If uncontrolled bleeding occurs, please seek emergent care.
PAIN MANAGEMENT: If you have not been prescribed a pain medication and are able to take Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Acetaminophen (Tylenol), we recommend you begin the following regimen for pain management as soon as possible: Ibuprofen 600mg immediately after surgery, Tylenol 1000mg 4 hours later, Ibuprofen 600mg 4 hours later, Tylenol 1000mg 4 hours later and continue to alternate over the next 2-3 days. DO NOT exceed this dosage. Ibuprofen can cause an upset stomach, so eat prior to taking medications. The extraction site may be sore for the next couple of weeks. It will take 2-4 weeks for gum tissue to heal over site. Bone will continue to remodel underneath the site for up to 4 months.
Baby Tooth Extraction Post-Op Instructions:
Gauze should stay in place with biting pressure for approximately 10 to 15 minutes after you leave our office. When you remove the gauze it will be soiled; this does not mean your child is bleeding. Often the blood clot will mix with saliva and appear as excessive bleeding. Leave the gauze out and encourage plenty of liquids.
Do not allow your child to drink through a straw, spit vigorously or for our younger patients, use a “Sippy” cup for a period of 2 to 3 days as this may disturb the healing clot and possibly cause infection.
Your child should try to maintain as normal a diet as possible avoiding foods that are sharp, crunchy, too hot or too cold because the area may be sensitive. Pasta, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and yogurt are just a few examples of the diet your child can immediately resume. Encourage plenty of liquids (water, soups, juices, etc.). Let your child determine when a regular diet can be reintroduced.
For any discomfort, give your child children’s Motrin or Tylenol as directed by the manufacturer as needed. Your child should only need the pain medicine for 24 hours to 48 hours. If pain persists beyond 48 hours, please call our office.
Swelling is seldom seen in children following routine extractions. If swelling does occur, the application of an ice pack over the swollen area will be helpful (15 minutes on and 15 minutes off, as needed in the first 24 hours following tooth removal).
A clean mouth heals faster. 24 hours after the procedure, gentle brushing around the extraction site can be started, along with warm salt water rinses (1/4 teaspoon salt to a glass of warm water) to help with any discomfort.
Your child’s cheek, lip, and tongue will be numb for approximately 2 to 3 hours. Please be very careful that your child does not bite or pick at this area. A self-inflicted bite injury is the most common after treatment complication.
Denture & Partial Instructions
Congratulations on your new dentures/partials! Dentures and partials will often need several adjustments in order to fit comfortably after initial delivery. It is normal to develop sore spots. It is important to wear your dentures as much as possible after delivery so that the doctor can identify the sore spots and properly adjust the dentures/partials when you come in.
Remove and rinse dentures after eating. Clean your mouth after removing your dentures. Food particles can become trapped under dentures causing inflammation or sore spots. Lightly brush the roof of your mouth, your tongue, your gums, and any natural teeth (if you have a partial) after removing your dentures/partials. If a toothbrush bothers you, you may use a wet gauze to wipe your tissues. Be sure to remove any adhesive left behind as well.
Dentures should be removed overnight or for at least 6 hours a day to give your mouth and gums time to rest and to prevent bacterial/fungal infections. They should be stored in a clean container filled with denture cleaning solution or water overnight. If using a denture cleaner, rinse dentures thoroughly before placing them back into the mouth. Handle your dentures/partials carefully. Be sure you don’t bend the clasps or drop when cleaning as this can distort dentures/partials.
Ongoing Care:
If you have dentures, make sure to make an appointment at our office at least once a year to have your dentures adjusted and checked by the doctor. We will also do an oral screening for cancer and other issues.
If you have partials, you need to be scheduled at least every 6 months or more frequently to ensure remaining teeth are cleaned and staying in good shape. The doctor occasionally will need to tighten clasps on partial for a better fit as well.
Please call our office if you are experiencing ongoing pain or discomfort or if you have any concerns regarding your dentures or partials.
Typically, after a few years your dentures/partials will need to be re-lined. This allows them to fit better as the bone/tissues reabsorb overtime. If dentures start to become loose, please let us know so we may set you up for a re-line appointment to make dentures fit snug again. Avoid cleaning dentures/partials with bleach or any type of toothpastes as this can cause damage to the dentures/partials.