The removal of impacted teeth is a surgical procedure. Post-operative care is very important. Show Unnecessary pain and the complications of infection and swelling can be minimized if the instructions are followed carefully. Immediately Following Surgery
BleedingA certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon and can last for 1-2 days. Excessive bleeding may be controlled by placing gauze over the surgical site and holding firm pressure for 30 minutes at a time. Repeat if necessary. Do not frequently change out the gauze because you are dislodging the early formation of clots. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag for thirty minutes. The tannic acid in the tea bag helps to form a clot. To minimize further bleeding, do not become excited! Please sit upright, and avoid talking and exercise. In addition, do not apply ice to the face if you are having trouble controlling the bleeding. The cold temperature can decrease platelet function. If bleeding still does not subside, call for further instructions. SwellingThe swelling that is normally expected is usually proportional to the surgery involved. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. The swelling will not reach its maximum until 2-3 days post-operatively. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. Two baggies filled with ice, or ice packs should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. The ice packs should NOT be left on continuously. The ice should be applied intermittently for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. After 24 hours, ice has no beneficial effect. If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days, there is no cause for alarm. This is a normal reaction to surgery. Twenty-four hours following surgery, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face is beneficial in reducing the amount of swelling. Heat should NOT be applied if you are being treated for an acute infection. PainFor moderate pain, over the counter analgesics may be used such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. For severe pain, take the prescribed medications as directed. The prescribed pain medicine can make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside over time. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office. DietAfter general anesthetic or I.V. sedation, liquids or ice cream should be consumed first. Do not use straws. Drink from a glass or use a spoon for your milkshake. You may eat anything soft by chewing away from the surgical sites. High calorie intake is very important. Refer to the section on suggested diet instructions at the end of the brochure. Nourishment should be taken regularly. You should prevent dehydration by taking fluids regularly. Your food intake may be limited for the first few days. You should compensate for this by increasing your fluid intake. At least 8 glasses of liquid should be taken daily. Try not to miss a single meal. You will feel better, have more strength, less discomfort and heal faster if you continue to eat. Please avoid nuts, seeds, popcorn and chips for 2 weeks. Caution: If you suddenly sit up or stand from a lying position you may become dizzy. If you are lying down following surgery, make sure you sit for one minute before standing. Keep the Mouth CleanVery gentle rinsing can be done later on in the day of surgery. Do not brush your teeth until the following day. DiscolorationIn some cases, discoloration of the skin follows swelling. The development of black, blue, green, or yellow discoloration is due to blood spreading beneath the tissues. This is a normal post-operative occurrence. Moist heat applied to the area may speed up the removal of the discoloration. AntibioticsIf you have been placed on antibiotics, take as directed. Antibiotics will be given for a purpose and should be completed. Call the office if you have an adverse reaction. It is important to discern side-effects versus true allergies. Nausea and VomitingIn the event of nausea and/or vomiting following surgery, a prescription may be provided if severe enough. Keep to a bland diet. Eat prior to taking medications to buffer your stomach. Other Complications
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Tomorrow’s Implant Dentistry TodayCan I go to sleep if my tooth extraction is still bleeding?Sleeping on the back is necessary for ensuring any materials used to control the bleeding in the extraction site will not shift out of place. Keeping the head to the side while sleeping could cause the protective materials to shift a small bit, making it harder for the teeth to stay healthy.
Can I sleep if my wisdom teeth are still bleeding?You can expect to have some oozing of blood from the extraction sites throughout the first 24 hours, but it should not be constant bright red bleeding. You cannot bite down while sleeping. If bleeding continues past first couple hours, stay awake to hold effective pressure.
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