Surgical Instructions PREOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING INTRAVENOUS ANESTHESIA - You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) after midnight prior to the appointment.
- 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 extraction of erupted teeth. The following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal: - The surgical area will swell.
- Swelling usually peaks on the 2nd post-operative day and may last several days.
- Trismus (stiffness) of the muscles may last for several days as well.
- 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 they may dry and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with cream or ointment.
- There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24 to 48 hours. If temperature continues, notify us.
- It is possible to develop bruising in the area of an extraction.
CARE OF 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 24 hours, apply ice 20 minutes on - 20 minutes off. Bags of frozen peas work well.
- For mild discomfort take Ibuprofen unless you are taking blood thinners or are allergic to it.
- For severe pain use the prescription given to you.
- Drink plenty of fluids (do not use a straw). A nutritional supplement is usually helpful, such as Boost or Ensure.
- If the muscles of the jaw become stiff, apply warm, moist heat to the outside of your face over these muscles.
- After the first post-operative day, use a warm salt-water rinse following meals for the first week to flush out particles of food and debris which may lodge in the surgical area. (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.)
- Diet may consist of soft foods which can be easily chewed and swallowed. No seeds, nuts, 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 one hour. After that time remove the gauze. If bleeding persists, a moist tea bag should be placed in the area of bleeding and bite firmly for one hour straight. This will aid in clotting blood. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding still persists call our office.
- We suggest that you do not smoke for at least 7 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.
| Post-Op Instructions A certain amount of bleeding, pain, and swelling is normal. Reduce your activity as much as possible for several hours. 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 a "black and blue" bruise should appear at the site of an injection. The arm also may be "black and blue", 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 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. 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 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 4 or more days. Special considerations following removal of impacted teeth - Removal of impacted teeth is a surgical procedure
- Postoperative problems are unusual, yet 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.
Maintain a proper diet Eat soft, nutritious foods and drink plenty of liquids. Add solid foods to your diet as soon as they are comfortable to chew. In case of problems If you should have any problems such as excessive bleeding, pain, or difficulty in opening your mouth, call your doctor for further instructions or additional treatment. Remember your follow-up visit We request you return for a postoperative visit to make certain healing is progressing satisfactorily. A follow-up visit will be scheduled. |
