Bleeding
Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is normal. If excessive bleeding occurs, you can control it by doing the following:
- Rinse your mouth gently, remove old clots, and place a fresh gauze pad over the area. Bite firmly for 30 minutes.
- If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes; tannic acid helps form a clot.
- To minimize further bleeding, stay calm, sit upright, and avoid exercise.
If bleeding does not subside, call us for further instructions
Swelling
Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and sides of the face is normal and will usually peak about two to three days post-surgery. You can minimize swelling by applying ice packs continuously while awake for the first 36 hours. After this time, switch to moist heat to reduce swelling.
Pain
For moderate pain:
- Take one or two Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol every 3-4 hours.
- Alternatively, take 2-4 Ibuprofen (200 mg) tablets every 3-4 hours.
For severe pain:
- Take prescribed medication as directed.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery, and refrain from consuming alcohol.
If pain persists, contact our office.
Diet
- Start with liquids immediately after surgery; avoid straws to prevent dislodging the clot.
- Eat soft foods and chew away from the surgical sites.
- Maintain a high-calorie, high-protein diet and stay hydrated by drinking at least 5-6 glasses of liquid daily.
Caution: If you suddenly sit up or stand from a lying position, you may become dizzy. Make sure to sit for one minute before standing.
Keeping Your Mouth clean
Avoid rinsing your mouth immediately after surgery. You can gently brush your teeth but be cautious around the surgical area. The day after surgery, you can start gently rinsing with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of water) at least five to six times a day.
Discoloration
Discoloration of the skin (black, blue, green, or yellow) is normal and may occur a few days after surgery. Apply moist heat to speed up discoloration removal.
Antibiotics
If antibiotics are prescribed, take them as directed. Discontinue use if you experience a rash or other adverse reactions
Nausea and Vomiting
In case of nausea or vomiting, avoid taking anything by mouth for an hour. Once it subsides, you can sip clear fluids slowly before resuming solid foods and medication.
Other Complications
- Numbness: Temporary numbness in the lip, chin, or tongue may occur. Avoid biting these areas as you may not feel it.
- Fever: A slight elevation in temperature immediately after surgery is common. If it persists, contact our office.
- Dizziness: Rise slowly from a lying or sitting position to avoid dizziness.
- Hard Projections: You may feel bony projections in the mouth; these will smooth out or can be removed if necessary.
- Mouth Corners: Use ointment like Vaseline if your mouth corners dry out or crack.
- Sore Throat: Painful swallowing due to muscle swelling is normal and should subside in 2-3 days.
- Jaw Stiffness: Stiffness may occur but will resolve over time.
What Else to Expect After Surgery
- Sutures are placed to minimize bleeding and aid healing. If they become dislodged, it's not a cause for concern; simply remove them.
- Post-operative pain and swelling should decrease daily. If symptoms worsen, contact our office.
- A cavity where the tooth was removed will gradually fill in with new tissue over the next month. Keep the area clean with saltwater rinses.
