Post Operative Instructions Following Dental Surgery
Proper care of the mouth following most dental procedures can reduce complications and increase the speed of healing of the surgical area. Please see below for important details of care.
MEDICATION: It is normal to have some discomfort following dental surgery.
- Please take the recommended pain medication (e.g. Advil, Tylenol), as prescribed.
- If antibiotics have been prescribed, it is important to take these until finished.
BLEEDING/SWELLING:
- Minor oozing and discoloration of saliva is normal during the first 24-48 hours following surgery.
If you have any bleeding of concern, apply firm constant pressure to the bleeding site for 30 minutes with clean damp gauze (provided), or a moist tea bag; Rest with your head elevated; no talking. - Control of swelling can be achieved by gently applying ice packs on the face near the surgical site for periods of 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. This procedure should continue for the first 24 hours. Should swelling and/or discomfort persist after 24 hours, apply warm, moist heat over the area.
- Bruising may occur and is usually considered normal.
ACTIVITY: Avoid any physical activity for 48 hours. Activities that may increase your heart rate could also increase the risk of complications. Please rest with your head elevated for the first few days after surgery. This will help minimize swelling and discomfort to the area.
DIET: Eat soft foods for the next several days. Examples include ice cream, milkshakes, puddings, yogurts, instant breakfast, scrambled eggs, well-cooked pasta, and mashed potatoes.
- Be sure to drink lots of non-caffeinated fluids, especially on the day of the procedure if you do not feel like eating. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Do not suck through a straw, spit or blow your nose excessively.
- NO SMOKING (of any kind; including vaping!) for minimum of 72 hours. Smoking prevents normal
healing of the surgical site and significantly increases your risk of a dry socket and infection.
MOUTH CARE: No rinsing or spitting for the first 24 hours (this includes mouthwash).
- Starting on the day following surgery, rinse with warm salt water (a large pinch of salt in a glass of
warm water) 4 times a day (at the very least, after every meal and before bed), for 7 days. - After 24 hours, a toothbrush and floss may be carefully used in the areas of the mouth not involved
with the surgical procedure. A clean mouth heals faster. - Stitches, if placed, will dissolve in 3 to 7 days
FOLLOW-UP (Optional): We would like to see you one week following your extraction to ensure appropriate healing of the surgical site. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your extraction or healing, do not hesitate to contact us:
Trinity Royal Dental Clinic: 506-634-8717 (during regular office hours)
After hours emergency:
Dr. Julia Wowchuk: 506-654-6012
Dr. Carla Sherman: 902-719-5770
Dr. Kate Brodersen: 902-789-7639