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Some patients experience minimal after-effects following oral surgery, so not all instructions may apply. Use common sense to guide your actions, and when in doubt, follow these guidelines or call our office at 952-465-0105 for clarification.
Bite gently but firmly on the gauze packs placed over the surgical areas, keeping them in place. Do not change them during the first hour unless bleeding is uncontrolled. After one hour, gauze may be gently removed or replaced if necessary. If bleeding continues, apply fresh gauze for another 30 minutes. For comfort, moisten gauze with tap water and fluff it loosely.
Do not disturb the surgical site. Avoid vigorous rinsing or probing the area. Gentle brushing is allowed. Do not smoke, as this can impede healing and increase the risk of dry socket.
Some intermittent bleeding overnight is normal. To control bleeding, place fresh gauze over the area and bite down for 30–45 minutes at a time.
Severe bleeding is uncommon. Often, it occurs if gauze is clenched between teeth rather than pressing on the surgical site. Reposition gauze as needed. A damp tea bag wrapped in gauze can also help for 20–30 minutes. If bleeding remains uncontrolled, contact our office immediately.
Swelling is normal and can be minimized by applying a cold pack, ice bag, or frozen peas wrapped in a towel to the cheek next to the surgical area. Apply for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off during the first 24 hours. Take prescribed anti-inflammatory medication as directed.
Some discomfort is expected. Take prescribed pain medication before the anesthetic wears off. To reduce nausea, take pills with a small amount of food and plenty of water. Pain intensity is usually highest within six hours post-surgery, then decreases. If you require frequent or excessive pain medication, contact the office. For weekend refills, call during regular business hours.
Nausea may result from pain medications. Take medication with soft food and plenty of water. Continue clear fluids and call the office if nausea persists. Classic Coca-Cola may provide temporary relief.
Eat nourishing foods that are comfortable. Avoid extremely hot foods and using a straw for the first few days. Liquids or pureed foods (soups, yogurt, milkshakes) may be recommended initially. Avoid nuts, popcorn, and seeds near surgical areas. Gradually return to solid foods over several days. Diabetic patients should follow normal eating habits or doctor instructions.
Feeling hard or sharp areas is normal—these may be bony walls or small bone fragments working their way out. Call our office if you have concerns or discomfort.
Maintain oral hygiene by gently rinsing with 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Use the entire glass over five minutes and repeat at least 2–3 times daily.
Resume regular oral hygiene as soon as possible. Brush comfortably, avoiding vigorous scrubbing if sore or swollen.
Warm compresses (hot water bottle, moist towel, heating pad) can soothe swelling and stiffness. Apply 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.
Normal healing varies: the first two days are often most uncomfortable with swelling. By day three, swelling should lessen, and you can resume a more substantial diet. If provided with a plastic irrigating syringe, do not use for the first five days; after that, follow instructions until the socket is fully healed. If healing does not progress, call our office.
Our goal is a smooth recovery. Follow these instructions, and call us with any questions. A 24-hour answering service is available for urgent concerns after hours, but calling during office hours ensures a faster response. Note: narcotic prescription renewals are only processed during office hours.
