Extraction / Socket
Preservation
If you have received intravenous sedation or a general anesthetic, you should NOT operate a vehicle or use hazardous devices for the following 24 hours after surgery. A responsible adult should accompany you home and stay for the remainder of the day.
After Surgery Instructions
Use ice packs 20 minutes at a time on and off for the first 24 hours. Apply moist heat if swelling still persists following your procedure. Swelling will increase 2‐3 days and then should decrease over the next few days. The more restful you are, the less swelling you will have.
Remove gauze when you get home after the bleeding has stopped. Always remove gauze when eating or sleeping. NEVER SLEEP WITH THE GAUZE IN YOUR MOUTH. Some bleeding is expected; it can be controlled by firmly biting for 30 minutes on a roll of moist gauze. If the bleeding persists, moisten a tea bag; roll it in gauze, place securely over the site and bite for 30 minutes.
Do Not Move Around, Do Not Talk.If bleeding does not stop, contact our office at (815) 399‐1234 for further instructions.
No rinsing of any kind should be performed on the day of your surgery. You may brush your teeth but avoid the surgical area. It is OK to use toothpaste starting the 3rd day after surgery. Rinse gently after each meal with warm salty water. Do not use any mouth wash (disinfectants) as it may burn the area of the procedure.
Elevate your head and avoid bending during the first 2‐3 days after the procedure. This will help reduce swelling. Swelling may increase gradually for 2‐3 days after procedure. This is normal.
A soft diet is recommended for the first week after surgery. (Yogurt, clear soups, jello, mashed potatoes, smoothies/shakes).
DO NOT USE A STRAW.No smoking. This may delay healing process
No alcoholic beverages while taking medications.
Do NOT attempt to inspect your surgical site; this could open your wound.
Do NOT put fingers in your mouth as this may cause an infection.
Do NOT drive or operate machinery when taking narcotic pain medication.
Avoid heavy lifting and exercise for the first 2-3 days after procedure.Sutures may be placed during surgery to minimize post operative bleeding and to help aid in healing. Sutures will dissolve in 5‐7‐ days.
Take prescribed medications as directed and contact our office if any adverse reactions occur, such as nausea or vomiting.
Download
& Print
Post-Operative Instructions
You can download and print these instructions conveniently at home and keep them handy.
