Bleeding: It is normal to expect some oozing from the wound over the first 24 to 48 hours. If excessive bleeding occurs, gently rinse your mouth with cold water to remove any blood clots, then apply folded gauze directly to the would and bite down firmly for at least 20 minutes. Show Nausea, vomiting and constipation: Occasionally, side effects such as nausea, stomach upset and constipation can occur from the medication you are taking, cease all medication and remain on a clear liquid diet until the nausea passes. Panadeine Forte often causes nausea and vomiting, and therefore if this occurs, try a milder pain medication, such as Nurofen. Panadeine Forte can often cause constipation. It is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Excessive pain: You should expect a few days of a constant, dull, aching pain which should gradually improve after 3 or 4 days. If you experience sudden, severe pain after the third day, which appears to be increasing and not subsiding, you should contact Dr Lim or Dr Rix for a further assessment. After extraction of teeth, a blood clot forms in the remaining socket. To prevent post-operative inflammation and infection, it is important to keep this blood clot in place. For the first 48 hours after extraction:
BleedingAfter tooth removal, it is normal to ooze blood from the tooth socket for approximately 24 hours. To minimize bleeding, do the following:
SwellingIt is normal to swell after tooth removal. The swelling is greatest 2-3 days after surgery, and may remain for an additional 3 days before it starts to resolve.
Postoperative discomfortAfter removal of teeth, it is normal to experience some amount of discomfort when the anesthesia wears off. Taking prescribed medication as directed should control discomfort, but may not eliminate it.
InfectionAfter surgical procedures, there is always a chance that infection might develop. This does not happen in most cases. A prescription may be written for you after a procedure that has a higher incidence of post-operative infection.
SuturesDepending on the extent of the procedures, sutures (stitches) may be placed in order to help wound healing. If you have sutures, the doctor will inform you of this after the procedure.
Other InstructionsIf you have had IV sedation or general anesthesia for your procedure, you should rest at home with moderate activity as tolerated. For the next 24 hours following anesthesia:
Brushing
Diet SuggestionsBegin with clear liquids, such as apple or cranberry juice, 7 Up® ,or ginger ale. Advance diet the first day as tolerated, such as Jell-O®, applesauce, or milkshakes. Soft, non-chewy foods are recommended for 1 week after surgery, such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or pasta. DO NOT eat popcorn, peanuts, seeds, or chips for at least 2 weeks after surgery to prevent an infection in the surgical site from impacted food debris. DO NOT rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours after surgery. After that, rinse gently with the oral rinse, if prescribed by your doctor, or with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water) 2-3 times a day for 1 week. Brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery for the first 24 hours. Warning SignsIf any of the following should occur, do not hesitate to contact us during regular office hours at (702) 660-5574. During the evening or night hours call (702) 660-5574 and follow the prompts.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE LIFE-THREATENING.It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but please contact our office if you have questions about your progress. |