These instructions are only for patients of record of Dr. Raju. If you have seen another provider, please follow the instructions provided by them.
Sometimes the after-effects of oral surgery are quite minimal, so not all of the instructions may apply. Common sense will often dictate what you should do. However, if you have a question, follow these guidelines or call our office for clarification. If Dr. Raju has recommended other instructions or medications, disregard the instructions here and follow the directions he stated at your appointment.
Bleeding
You will leave your surgery with gauze in your mouth. Please leave it in for 45 minutes after you leave our office. After you remove it, eat a little bit of food and take your first dose of ibuprofen and acetaminophen. You will still be numb, but it is important to stay ahead of the pain. Some oozing and spotting is normal for about one week after the surgery. If you need to put additional gauze in, please make it slightly wet. Sometimes when patients use dry gauze the blood clot sticks to the gauze and removes the clot making the area bleed again.
Pain
You will be prescribed up to three pain medicines. They can all be mixed and taken at the same time. They work better if you take them together, although the narcotic should only be taken if needed as it has a lot of side effects (nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, drowsiness, other). The prescriptions you were prescribed may include:
o Ibuprofen 600mg – Take 1 tablet every 6 hours
o Acetaminophen 500mg – Take 1 tablet every 6 hours
o Narcotic – Take 1 tablet every 6 hours
Acetaminophen is an over the counter medicine. Although we send it as a prescription, it is not always filled by the pharmacy. If the pharmacist does not provide it to you, please purchase it directly in the store.
Swelling
Swelling is at its worst 2-3 days after the surgery and slowly gets better. For the first 2 days use an ice pack on the outside of the face. After 2 days use something warm on the outside of the face.
Diet
The first two days after the surgery, you can eat any food that looks like it has been in a blender. These foods include soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, eggs, and refried beans. After two days, soft foods such as ground/shredded meats and boiled vegetables. As you are feeling better, you can slowly return to a normal diet. Do not use a straw for 1 week.
Oral Hygiene
You can start brushing your teeth the night of the surgery. You should brush all your teeth except the tooth immediately in front of your wisdom teeth for two days and then you can brush all of your teeth.
Plastic Syringe
You are provided a plastic syringe that you will need to use to clean the bottom holes. You need to wait three days before using it to allow good clots to form. If you use it too early, you can wash away the blood clot and have a higher risk of developing a dry socket. It is best to use distilled water. When using the syringe, push gently on it and allow water to go in the hole and allow food to float out. Do not be aggressive with the syringe. If you prefer to use saline you may. To make your own saline mix 1/4 tsp with 8 oz of water.
Antibiotics
Most patients do not require antibiotics for after the surgery. However, you will be prescribed a chlorhexidine mouth rinse that you will use twice a day for one week to reduce the bacteria in your mouth. You can begin using this mouth rinse the night of the surgery. Signs of infection are swelling that increases or redevelops after the third day, redness, yellow liquid coming from the extraction site, fever, and or chills. Please contact the office if you have concerns of infection.
Stitches
Stitches are sometimes used to get the gum tissue closer together after surgery, however, are used only if needed. Most of the stitches that are used will either unravel or dissolve on their own. They generally stay in place for 3-5 days, but sometimes come out sooner and sometimes come out later.
Exercise
It is generally recommended that you take it easy with exercise for 1 week following the surgery. You can walk fast.
Smoking
Smoking increases your chance of dry socket by 400%. Please do not smoke for at least 1 week following your surgery.
Follow-up Exam
We generally do not schedule a follow-up exam for most of our patients. Most patients have an uneventful recovery. If you have questions, you are encouraged to message Dr. Raju – he is available to answer your questions on evenings and weekends. We encourage you to ask your question as uncertainty after surgery is always stressful. However, if you have prolonged pain and swelling, concerns of developing an infection, or would like your surgical site looked at for peace of mind, we will be happy to schedule a follow-up exam for you. There is no cost for your follow-up exam.