Care of Mouth after Oral Surgery

General Guidelines:

• Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours after surgery.
• Reduce your activity as much as possible for several hours.
• Avoid all alcoholic beverages for 3 days including mouth rinses.
• Keep fingers and tongue away from socket or surgical area.
• Use ice packs on surgical area (side of face) for the first 48 hours. Apply ice 20 minutes on - 20 minutes off. Bags of frozen peas work well.
• For mild discomfort, take over-the-counter Tylenol or Ibuprofen every three to four hours.  For severe pain, use the prescription given to you.
• Drink plenty of fluids. (Do not use a straw)
• If the muscles of the jaw become stiff, chewing gum at intervals will help relax the muscles, as well as the use of warm, moist heat to 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 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 20 minute intervals for the first two hours. After that time, remove the gauze and then you may eat or drink. If bleeding persists, a moist teabag can be placed in the area of bleeding and bite firmly for one hour straight. This will aid in clotting blood. Repeat if necessary. Minor “oozing” of blood can persist off-and-on for up to four days. Sleep with a towel over your pillow for the first 4 nights following surgery.
• We suggest that you do not smoke for at least 7 days after surgery. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the clot and can dislodge it, exposing sensitive nerves resulting in extreme pain, commonly known as “Dry-Socket” or alveolar osteitis.

Feel free to contact us at 770-253-3171 if any doubt arises as to your progress and recovery.

Special considerations following removal of impacted teeth:

• Removal of impacted teeth is a surgical procedure. Postoperative problems are not unusual, 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.

See also Possible Complications Following Oral Surgery