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Sep

Post Operative Instructions for Extractions

Recovering smoothly after a tooth removal begins with following the right Post Operative Instructions for Extractions. . For questions or urgent care, call us today at (512) 863-7561.

In most cases, a blood clot forms in the operated socket after tooth extraction. Keep the blood clot intact after surgery to reduce the risk of infection.

Post Operative Instructions for Extractions (After 48 hours)

● AVOID vigorous oral rinsing as this may remove the clot

● AVOID drinking through a straw.

● AVOID smoking

● AVOID touching or disturbing the affected site with your tongue or finger.

Bleeding After Tooth Extraction:

After a tooth extraction, it is normal for the tooth socket to bleed for approximately 24 hours. Do the following, to reduce bleeding from the tooth socket:

● Bite firmly on a wet gauze pad for at least 1 hour after the procedure.
● If necessary, change the gauze every 20 minutes.
● Avoid lying on a flat. Keep your head elevated using a pillow.
● For the first 2-3 day, reduce physical activity.

Swelling After Tooth Extaction

It is normal for your tooth socket to swell following extraction. Usually, the swelling is greatest during the first 2–3 days after the procedure. It may persist for an additional 3 days before returning to normal.

● Immediately after surgery, place an ice pack over the affected area.
●Keep the ice pack for 20 minutes and then remove it for the next 20 minutes. Repeat this process for the rest of the day.
● It is not necessary to keep using cold pacs after the first 24 hours of surgery.

Post Surgical Discomfort

After a tooth extraction, it is normal to feel some discomfort once the effect of the anaesthesia wears off.This can be reduced by taking the prescribed medication as directed. The medication will help control the discomfort, but it may not eliminate it completely.

● Avoid driving or operating machinery while taking pain medication, as it may cause drowsiness.

Infection

There is always a danger that an infection might arise following surgery. However, in most cases, this does not occur. You will be prescribed certain medications after surgery to help prevent postoperative infection.

● Be sure to take the full course of the prescribed antibiotics.

● Women who are taking birth control pills are recommended to use other methods of contraception because penicillin and other related antibiotics reduce the efficacy of contraceptive pills.

Sutures

To help the wound heal, stitches (sutures) are used depending on the extent of the procedure. If you have received sutures, your doctor will provide you with the following information after surgery:

● Dissolvable sutures usually dissolve within 1–7 days.

● Non-dissolvable sutures are generally removed within 7–10 days, although some may remain for up to 3 weeks, depending on the procedure.

Other Commands

Patients who have received IV sedatives and anaesthesia during surgery are advised to stay at home and rest, engaging only in moderate physical activity as tolerated.

During the next 24 hours after anaesthesia, you should:

● Avoid driving or operating machinery or power tools.

● Avoid alcoholic beverages, including beer.

● Avoid moderate- to high-intensity workouts or physical activities, such as running or weight lifting.

Brushing

● You can begin your regular oral hygiene from the night of surgery or the next day. Do not brush vigorously; be gentle near the affected area.

● Avoid spitting.

Diet Guide

● Drink clear liquids such as apple juice, cranberry juice, 7Up, or ginger ale.

● Start by eating soft foods like Jell-O, applesauce, or milkshakes on the first day after surgery, as tolerated.

● For the first week, stick to soft, non-chewy foods such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or pasta.

● For the first 24 hours following surgery, avoid rinsing your mouth. After 24 hours, use a gentle oral rinse prescribed by your dentist, or rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) 2–3 times a day for 1 week.

● Brush your teeth gently, but avoid the affected area for the first 24 hours.

Alarming Signs

● If bleeding does not stop after biting on damp gauze for 60 minutes, .

● If pain is not relieved with the recommended dose of pain medication. Do not take higher doses.

● If nausea and vomiting persist.

● If swelling increases after 72 hours or makes swallowing difficult.

● If there is a bad-tasting discharge that does not improve with regular brushing and flossing.

● Fever higher than 101°F

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