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SURGICAL INSTRUCTIONS
I. Preoperative instructions
for patients undergoing intravenous anesthesia
- You
may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for
six (6) hours prior to your surgical appointment. You should,
however, take any medications that your physician has directed
you to take preoperatively with a small amount of water.
- A responsible
adult must accompany the patient to the office, remain in
the office during the procedure, and be able to drive the
patient home.
- The
patient should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery
for 24 hours following the anesthesia experience.
- Please
wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves which can be rolled
up past the elbow, and low-heeled shoes. Contact lenses, jewelry,
and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery.
The removal of impacted wisdom
teeth and surgical extraction of teeth is quite different
from the simple extraction of erupted teeth. The following conditions
may occur, all of which are considered normal:
- The
surgical area will swell.
- Swelling
peaks on the 2nd or 3rd post -operative day
- Trismus
(stiffness) of the muscles may cause difficulty in opening
your mouth for a period of days.
- You
may have a slight earache.
- A sore
throat may develop.
- Your
other teeth may ache temporarily. This is referred pain and
is a temporary condition.
- If the
corners of the mouth are stretched out they may dry and crack.
Your lips should be kept moist with cream or ointment.
- There
will be a space where the tooth was removed.
- There
may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24 to 48 hours.
If temperature continues, notify us.
- It is
not unusual to develop discoloration in the area of an extraction.
Please take all prescriptions as directed.
Women please note: Some antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness
of your birth control pills. Please check with your pharmacist.
II. Care of the mouth after oral surgery
- Do not
rinse or spit for 24 hours after surgery.
- Keep
fingers and tongue away from socket or surgical area.
- Use
ice packs on surgical area (side of face) for first 48 hours,
apply ice 20 minutes on - 20 minutes off. Bags of frozen peas
work well.
- For
mild discomfort, take ibuprofen every four to six hours as
directed.
- For
severe pain use the prescription given to you.
- Drink
plenty of fluids. (Do not use a straw)
- Beginning
the second day after surgery, if the muscles of the jaw become
stiff, the use of warm, moist heat to the outside of your
face over these muscles will help relieve this.
- After
the first postoperative day, use a warm, saltwater rinse following
meals for the first week to flush out particles of food and
debris which may lodge in the surgical area and to promote
earlier healing. (One teaspoon of salt in an 8 oz. glass of
warm water. Mouthwash can be added for better taste.)
- Diet
may consist of soft foods which can be easily chewed and swallowed.
No seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, etc.
- A certain
amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Bleeding
is controlled by applying pressure to the surgical area using
small rolled gauze for 90 minutes. After that time remove
the gauze and then you may eat or drink. If bleeding persists,
a moist teabag should be placed in the area of bleeding and
you should bite firmly for one hour. This will aid in stopping
the oozing. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding still persists
call our office.
- We suggest
that you do not smoke for at least 5 days after surgery. Nicotine
may break down the blood clot and cause a "Dry-Socket".
Feel free
to contact us if any doubt arises as to your progress and recovery.
III. Post-op instructions
What you should do following extractions and other oral
surgery procedures
A certain amount of bleeding, pain, and swelling is normal.
Reduce your activity as much as possible for several hours.
Avoid eating, drinking, and unnecessary talking. Do not rinse
your mouth or brush your teeth for 24 hours. These activities
may hinder formation of a blood clot which is necessary for
proper healing.
Do not be alarmed if your vision is blurred for a time following
anesthesia or if discoloration should appear at the site of
an injection. The arm also may be discolored, swollen and tender
to touch due to the IV.
Follow the simple instructions below to minimize complications
and help ensure prompt recovery.
To control bleeding
Immediately following the procedure. . .keep a 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
Begin taking medication as directed by your doctor within three
to four hours following the procedure to minimize discomfort
when the anesthesia wears off and feeling at the surgical site
returns back to normal. Application of an ice bag for 20 minutes
on and 20 minutes off to that side of the face may help.
After 24 hours, continue to take your medication if pain persists,
and use an ice bag if needed.
To minimize swelling
Immediately following 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 7 to 10 days
and a fever of 99 degrees F to 100 degrees F.
Special considerations following removal of impacted teeth:
- Removal
of impacted teeth is a surgical procedure. Postoperative problems
occasionally occur, and extra care must be taken to avoid
complications.
- Severity
of postoperative pain will depend on the procedure and your
physical condition. Take medication for pain precisely as
directed.
- Healing
of the surgical site is variable.
- Swelling
can be expected. Be certain to apply ice bags as directed
above.
- Difficulty
in opening your mouth widely and discomfort upon swallowing
should be anticipated.
- Numbness
of lips and/or tongue on the affected side may be experienced
for a variable period of time.
Oral hygiene is important
24 hours after surgery, rinse mouth gently with a solution of
one 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 no 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 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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