Instructions Following Periodontal Procedures
A few days after the extraction of a tooth, the wound usually heals to the point where you can function normally. In the meantime, you should follow a few simple rules to help promote healing, prevent complications, and make yourself more comfortable.
Also see: Instructions Following Oral Surgery | Preoperative Instructions for General Anesthesia/Sedation
Medication - Take all medication that the doctor has prescribed and in the manner directed. Do not take any medication containing aspirin. If the doctor has prescribed some pain medication, you may need to take that the first 3 days. After that, take only as needed.
Diet - It will be most comfortable to eat on the side where there is no dressing. Initially soft foods will be easiest to chew. In addition, for the first few hours after the procedure do not have very hot liquids.
Swelling - To minimize swelling, ice packs should be utilized as soon after your visit as possible. The ice should be placed for 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off continuously until bedtime or for 5 hours. Swelling may occur either immediately or several days after and may last for several days. When swelling is present 24 hours after the procedure, apply heat (preferably moist) to the area.
Bleeding - Some blood may be noticed in your saliva for a few hours, this is normal. If excessive bleeding begins, take several mouthfuls of ice cold water and hold in the area. DO NOT FLUSH VIGOROUSLY. Also, sit quietly in an upright position. If this is not sufficient, moisten a tea bag and place on the area and bite down on it.
Dressing - The dressing around your teeth acts as a bandage and is to remain in place until your next appointment. DO NOT BRUSH THIS AREA. Small pieces may be dislodged without harm. However, if a large portion comes off or is loose and there is sensitivity, please call the office.
Fever - A slight fever or chills may occur. If the fever persists for more than 24 hours report this to the doctor.
Oral Hygiene - Keep all areas clean using the materials given to you.
Extractions - If an extraction was performed during surgery, place a wet folded piece of gauze on the extraction site for 45 minutes. Check the area. If bleeding still occurs, place another piece of gauze and remain biting down until bleeding stops. A moistened tea bag may also be used if you run out of gauze.
Rinsing - The day after the extraction, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 tsp. of salt in one glass of warm water). Rinsing after meals is important to keep food particles out of the extraction site, but remember not to rinse your mouth vigorously.
ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS CALL THE OFFICE (903) 597-2848).
- OFFICE LOCATION
- 3100 New Copeland Road
- Tyler, TX 75701
- Phone: (903) 597-2848
- Fax: (903) 593-9626
- Map | Hours
Expect, but do not be concerned by:
- Slight oozing of blood for 24 hours
- Swelling which occurs in the first 24 hours after surgery
- Increase in swelling between 24 and 48 hours
- Pain or discomfort which may be controlled but not eliminated by these instructions and/or pain pills
- Discoloration of the skin around the surgical site.
Contact us in the case of the following:
- Profuse uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe uncontrollable pain, especially if it begins after 24 hours
- Swelling which has its onset 48 hours after surgery
- Elevated temperature (over 101 o F)