Oregon City dentist, Dentist in Oregon City, OR

GAUZE PACK- Gauze has been placed over the surgical site(s). Remove at _____ am pm.

SILK SUTURES (stiches)- silk sutures need to be removed at the dental office in 7-14 days.

DISSOLVING SUTURES (stiches) - dissolving (gut) sutures will fall out in 5-7 days. Its ok to clip off the loosly hanging suture at least 48 hrs. post surgery.

DO NOT RINSE FOR 24 HOURS- In 24 hours, you may rinse gently every 4 hours (especially after meals) with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in an 8 ounce glass of warm water). Use only plain warm water if you are on a low salt diet. Also avoid anything that would creat a suction such as straws for the next 24 hrs.

BLEEDING- Following extractions or other oral surgery, some bleeding is normal. If bright red bleeding occurs, the following steps can help:

1. Apply direct pressure by placing folded gauze pads over the area and biting down firmly for 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding continues, then, use a moist tea bag and place it over the area and bite down firmly.
2. Avoid hot or cold liquids. Keep fingers and tongue away fromt the surgical area.
3. Bite down firmly on a wet tea bad for 20 minutes. (Tea contains natural substances that aid clotting.)
4. If bright red bleeding persists, call our office.

SWELLING- Some swelling may be normal, especially after difficult extractions. Apply an ice bag or chopped ice wrapped in a towel to the face over the surgical area- 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off for an hour.

BRUISING- Bruising (black and blue marks) occurs after some extractions. It will gradually fade in 1 or 2 weeks. Call us if you are concerned.

PAIN- most pain from routine oral surgery can be relieved by taking 2 regular OR 2 Extra- strength Tylenol every 4 to 6 hours for 3 days. If severe pain occures, please call out office or dentist as directed.

BONY EDGES- Small, sharp bone chips may work up through the gum during healing. These are not tooth roots; if annoying, call our office to arrange for thier sample removal.

SMOKING- Avoid or limit smoking as much as possible during the first 2 or 3 days after surgery.

FOOD AND DRINK- Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks for 24 hours. Eat a light diet for 24 hours. Mechanical soft/ puree soft.

ORAL HYGIENE- Do not brush the surgical area for 24 hours. after 24 hours, it is important to resume gentle toothbrushing and flossing to keep the area clean.

HOW TO RACH US- If severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or unsual symptoms occur, please page me at (503) 909-8773 or call my office at (503) 655-0931 **Also for next 3 days- keep patients head elevated at ~30 or withan extra pillow while lying down.

Alexander Lin D.D.S