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:
- 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.
- Avoid hot or cold liquids. Keep fingers and tongue away fromt the surgical area.
- Bite down firmly on a wet tea bad for 20 minutes. (Tea contains natural substances that aid clotting.)
- 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
