Surgical instructions - Post-Operative
Follow the simple instructions below to minimize complications and help ensure prompt recovery
To control bleeding
Immediately following your procedure, keep steady pressure on the bleeding area by biting firmly on the gauze placed there by your doctor. Pressure helps reduce bleeding and permits formation of a clot in the tooth socket. Gently remove the compress after the local anesthesia has worn off and normal feeling has returned.
After 24 hours, some oozing of blood may persist. If necessary, resume use of moist tea bags. After bleeding has stopped, cautiously resume oral hygiene.
To relieve pain
Immediately following procedure... begin taking medication as directed by your doctor to minimize discomfort when the anesthesia wears off and feeling is back to normal. Application of an ice bag can also help relieve discomfort.
If pain persists after 24 hours, continue to take your medication.
To minimize swelling
Immediately following your procedure, apply an ice bag over the affected area. Use 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for 24 hours to help prevent development of excessive swelling and discomfort. If an ice bag is unavailable, simply fill a heavy plastic bag with crushed ice. Tie end securely and cover with a soft cloth to avoid skin irritation.
After 24 hours, it should not be necessary to continue with cold applications. You may expect swelling for 10 days to two weeks and a fever of 99 degrees F to 100 degrees F.
Oral hygiene is important
24 hours after surgery, rinse mouth gently with a solution of one-half teaspoonful of salt dissolved in a glass of water. Repeat after every meal or snack for seven days. Rinsing is important because it removes food particles and debris from the socket area and thus helps prevent infection and promote healing. Brush tongue with a dry toothbrush to keep bacteria growth down, but be careful not to touch the extraction site.
Resume your regular tooth brushing, but avoid disturbing the surgical site so as not to loosen or remove the blood clot.
Maintain a proper diet
Have your meals at the usual time. Eat soft, nutritious foods and drink plenty of liquids - with meals and in between. Have what you wish, but be careful not to disturb the blood clot. Add solid foods to your diet as soon as they are comfortable to chew.
In case of problems
You should experience little if any trouble if you follow the instructions and suggestions as outlined. But if you should have any problems such as excessive bleeding, pain, or difficulty in opening your mouth, call our office immediately for further instructions or additional treatment.
Remember your follow-up visit
It is often advisable to return for a postoperative visit to make certain healing is progressing satisfactorily. A follow-up visit will be scheduled. In the meantime, maintain a healthful diet, observe rules for proper oral hygiene, and visit your dentist for regular checkups.
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As Chicago oral and cosmetic surgeons, our Lincoln Park practice provides dental implant services, cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery, tooth extractions, facial trauma surgery, medi-spa treatments, and more to Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
Marvin Greene, D.D.S.
David H. Hanson, M.D., D.D.S.
Kevin Andrus, D.D.S.
Contact Information
2449 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 327-2400
Fax: (773) 327-4759
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