Immediately following surgery
Firmly bite on the gauze pad placed over the surgical area to help stop the bleeding. We will change the gauze before you leave. You may change it once more at home, leaving it in place for 30 more minutes.
Numbness of the lips, cheeks or tongue may last 2 to 6 hours. Take care not to bite these areas.
Bleeding
Place folded gauze directly over the extraction site and bite firmly for 30 minutes. If blood continues to pool or drip within 15–20 seconds after removing it, apply fresh gauze for another 30 minutes. Minimal bleeding may continue for up to 24 hours. Slightly blood-tinged saliva for several days can occur.
Call Shen Dental if bleeding is excessive.
Pain following surgery
Some discomfort is expected. If you received a prescription, follow the instructions carefully. Over-the-counter pain medication may be appropriate for some patients; follow the advice of your dentist, physician or pharmacist and do not take medication you have been advised to avoid.
Prescription medication
Follow all prescription instructions carefully. If itching, swelling or another concerning reaction occurs, stop the medication and contact Shen Dental. For a severe reaction or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care.
Diet
Chew as little as possible on the side of the surgery. After multiple extractions, choose soft foods on the day of surgery and the following day, such as yogurt, lukewarm soup, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and pasta. Avoid hard or crunchy foods such as chips or nuts for at least one week. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after general anesthesia or while taking medication for which alcohol should be avoided.
Smoking
Do not smoke for at least 3 days following surgery or extraction. The longer you avoid smoking, the better healing can progress.
Sucking and spitting
Do not use straws for 3 days. Avoid sucking or picking at the extraction site and avoid forceful spitting.
Brushing and rinsing
Avoid brushing, rinsing or spitting on the day of surgery. The next day you may brush, but avoid the extraction site for 3 days. After the third day, rinse gently with warm salt water as directed. Avoid alcohol-containing mouthwash if it irritates the area.
Sutures / stitches
If dissolvable sutures were placed, they may loosen as swelling decreases and dissolve on their own. Follow any specific instructions provided by your dentist.
Activities
Do not drive or engage in strenuous activities for at least 24 hours after surgery, or longer if advised. Return to work or school when you feel recovered.
Follow-up appointment
You may be asked to return within 10–14 days. Follow the clinic instructions and return for examination when requested.
Concerned about your recovery?
For excessive bleeding, severe or worsening pain, significant swelling or another urgent dental concern, call Shen Dental. For difficulty breathing or another medical emergency, seek emergency medical care.